Systemic lupus Erythematosus and Neisseria gonorrhoea a case of the arthritis-dermatitis syndrome

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic disease characterized by arthritis among other protean manifestations. Occasionally lupus flares occur and is associated with increasing joint pains. In this state, complement is activated and leads to precipitation of immune complexes. Neisserial infections are cleared by complement and so in the presence of deficient complement, these infections will flourish. Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) occurs infrequently. A case of Neisseria gonorrhoea presenting as the arthritis-dermatitis syndrome which mimicked a lupus flare is presented and the appropriate literature reviewed.