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Definition of Arthritis, reactive
Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026
Arthritis, reactive: Reiter's syndrome is also called "reactive arthritis" since it is thought to involve the immune system which is "reacting" to the presence of bacterial infections in the genital, urinary, or gastrointestinal systems. Accordingly, certain people's immune systems are genetically primed to react aberrantly when these areas are exposed to certain bacteria. The aberrant reaction of the immune system leads to inflammation in the joints and eyes.