[Diagnosis and clinical aspects of Yersinia arthritis].

Clinical and serological criteria of Yersinia arthritis are presented by a review of the literature and case studies. Characteristic findings are preceding abdominal symptoms followed by oligoarthritis of the lower extremities. 80% of patients are HLA-B 27 positive, rheumatoid factors are negative. Detection of Yersinia in stool cultures is a rare proof. The most important serological indicator is IgA for identification of Yersinia antibodies. Yersinia arthritis will resolve without sequelae under symptomatic and antibiotic (chemotherapeutic) medication within 6 months.