Arthritis

Frequently Asked Questions

13. What causes rheumatoid arthritis? - cont'd

Research suggests that a person's genetic makeup is an important part of the picture, but not the whole story. Some evidence shows that infectious agents, such as viruses and bacteria, may trigger rheumatoid arthritis in people with an inherited tendency to develop the disease. The exact agent or agents, however, are not yet known. (Answer continues on next page.)