Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) or ankylosing spondylosis refers to a group of inflammatory diseases of the spine that affect any part of the spine. The disease was first described in 1872, but was finally identified as an independent disease only in the 20th century. AS is characterized by a chronic inflammatory response of the joints due to the development of the disease progressive fibrosis. The cause of inflammation is an allergic complication of the immune system caused primarily by a bacterial infection, usually as a result of infection with the spiral streptococcal bacterium. The disease affects both the musculoskeletal system and other systems, manifesting itself mainly in the form of inflammatory changes in the spine and large joints of the body.