Rheumatic manifestations of infectious diseases in children.

Infections associated with rheumatic diseases in children remain an important area of pediatric rheumatology. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of septic arthritis and osteomyelitis are essential. Rheumatic fever is a significant public health problem particularly in the developing world. A variety of nonbacterial infections are also associated with rheumatic diseases in children. There is also the unfortunate possibility of children developing AIDS-associated rheumatic diseases.