As with other
autoimmune diseases, many scientists think that something must occur to trigger the disease process in people whose genetic makeup makes them susceptible to
juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. A viral or bacterial infection appears likely, but the exact agent is not yet known.
Given that juvenile
rheumatoid arthritis occurs all over the world, it is thought that this organism must be everywhere. Scientists have studied bacteria such as mycoplasmas, as well as viruses such as cytomegalovirus, parvovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and the
rubella virus. However, to date, there have been no convincing data to show that these viruses can cause the disease.
Also, keep in mind that this does not mean that juvenile rheumatoid
arthritis is contagious; a person cannot catch the disease from someone else.
Even though researchers do not have all the answers or know the exact juvenile rheumatoid arthritis causes, one thing is certain: Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis develops due to a combination of many factors. Researchers are trying to understand these factors and how they work together.
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