Ebringer Alan, Rashid Taha
School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Kings College London, London, UK.
Clin Dev Immunol. 2006 Mar;13(1):41-8. doi: 10.1080/17402520600576578.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and disabling polyarthritic disease, which affects mainly women in middle and old age. Extensive evidence based on the results of various microbial, immunological and molecular studies from different parts of the world, shows that a strong link exists between Proteus mirabilis microbes and RA. We propose that sub-clinical Proteus urinary tract infections are the main triggering factors and that the presence of molecular mimicry and cross-reactivity between these bacteria and RA-targeted tissue antigens assists in the perpetuation of the disease process through production of cytopathic auto-antibodies. Patients with RA especially during the early stages of the disease could benefit from Proteus anti-bacterial measures involving the use of antibiotics, vegetarian diets and high intake of water and fruit juices such as cranberry juice in addition to the currently employed treatments.
类风湿性关节炎（RA）是一种慢性致残性多关节炎疾病，主要影响中老年女性。基于世界各地各种微生物学、免疫学和分子研究结果的大量证据表明，奇异变形杆菌微生物与类风湿性关节炎之间存在紧密联系。我们提出，亚临床奇异变形杆菌尿路感染是主要触发因素，并且这些细菌与类风湿性关节炎靶向组织抗原之间存在分子模拟和交叉反应，通过产生细胞病变自身抗体促进疾病进程的持续。类风湿性关节炎患者，尤其是在疾病早期阶段，除了目前采用的治疗方法外，还可受益于涉及使用抗生素、素食饮食以及大量饮水和饮用果汁（如蔓越莓汁）的奇异变形杆菌抗菌措施。
