ABSTRACT
The term seronegative spondarthritides covers a variety of different conditions with common articular, extra-articular and genetic features (Table 8.1), but as IgM rheumatoid factor is not a feature in these patients they are deemed seronegative. There is usually a strong family history and a common genetic background as many patients carry the HLAB27 antigen. However, as this is present in approximately 9% of Caucasians in the United Kingdom and the incidence of the spondyloarthropathies is approximately 1%, other genetic factors must be involved. It is postulated that the arthropathy develops secondary to an underlying infection at a distant site such as the gut or genital tract.
