Reactive arthritis after Shigella gastroenteritis in American military in Afghanistan.

In Afghanistan in mid June 2011, 2 US Marines developed reactive arthritis manifested by conjunctivitis, urethritis, arthritis, and circinate balanitis. Their symptoms were preceded by an outbreak in their unit of gastroenteritis caused by Shigella species after ingesting contaminated chicken. Gastroenteritis has plagued military operations for millennia. This report emphasizes that personnel can develop reactive arthritis after bouts of gastrointestinal infections that are common in deployed environments. It is highly recommended to maintain vigilance in keeping reactive arthritis on the differential diagnosis in deployed personnel after bouts of gastroenteritis.