The results from this study point to the hypothesis that
Mycoplasma may be associated with RA; however, it cannot
be demonstrated whether mycoplasmas are cofactors or whether
they produce a secondary infection or occur more in those
with abnormal immune systems who have RA. Information that
supports the Mycoplasma hypothesis is the successful use of
minocycline in RA treatment and the knowledge that mycoplasmas
are sensitive to tetracyclines [28] and that mycoplasmas
are the most common cause of arthritis in patients with primary
immunodeficiency [11].