Which sexually transmitted disease is known to potentially cause arthritis?

Gonorrhea is associated with reactive arthritis, a condition that can develop in some individuals as a complication of the infection. This particular sexually transmitted infection (STI) can lead to disseminated gonococcal infection, where the bacteria spread into the bloodstream and may affect the joints, resulting in arthritis. The pathogenesis involves an immune response to the bacterial infection, which can trigger inflammation in the joints.

In contrast, while syphilis, chlamydia, and herpes simplex virus have their own associated complications, they do not have the same strong correlation with the development of arthritis as gonorrhea does. For example, syphilis can cause systemic complications but is more often linked to other issues like cardiovascular problems or neurosyphilis rather than directly causing arthritis. Chlamydia can lead to a condition known as reactive arthritis, but the relationship is less direct than with gonorrhea. Herpes simplex virus typically causes localized lesions and systemic symptoms but is not commonly associated with arthritis. Understanding these specific links helps clarify why gonorrhea is the most relevant STI in the context of arthritis.