Reactive arthritis is precipitated by infections caused by which of the following?

Reactive arthritis is a type of inflammatory joint disease that typically occurs as a reaction to a bacterial infection in another part of the body, most commonly the urogenital or gastrointestinal tract. The condition often follows infections caused by certain bacteria, with Salmonella and Shigella being two well-documented precipitating organisms.

In particular, infections from the gastrointestinal tract due to these pathogens can lead to reactive arthritis as the body mounts an immune response that inadvertently affects the joints. This association is commonly recognized in clinical practice, where episodes of gastroenteritis caused by Salmonella or Shigella can precede the onset of arthritic symptoms.

Other bacteria, such as those in options A and C, do not have the same strong correlation with the development of reactive arthritis. While infections with various organisms can cause joint pain or an inflammatory response, Salmonella and Shigella are specifically notable for their link to triggering this condition. Therefore, the choice highlighting Salmonella and Shigella aligns with the established understanding of reactive arthritis and its infectious triggers.