Diagnosis
There are few clinical symptoms, but the clinical picture is dominated by arthritis in one or more joints, resulting in pain, swelling, redness, and heat sensation in the affected areas.
The urethra, cervix and the throat may be swabbed in an attempt to culture the causative organisms. Cultures may also be carried out on urine and stool samples or on fluid attained by arthrocentesis.
Tests for C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate are non-specific tests that can be done to corroborate the diagnosis of the syndrome. Also, a blood test for the genetic marker HLA-B27 may be performed. About 75 percent of all the patients with Reiter's arthritis display this gene.
Read more about this topic: Reactive Arthritis