In the course of viral diseases, onset of arthritis, usually of limited duration and good prognosis, can occur. Pathogenic mechanisms of its onset are diverse, e.g. direct effect on of synoviocytes or production of immune complexes. The most frequent arthritogenic viruses in South America and west Europe are parvovirus B 19, rubella virus and hepatitis virus and these diseases are described in detail. Rather a big epidemic of polyarthritis in Africa, west Pacific and South America were and are caused by viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. This is not very common form of polyarthritis in our geographical latitude. Here we briefly summarize these exotic forms of viral polyarthritis. Some other rare viruses, which can contribute to manifestation of musculoskeletal symptoms, are also mentioned.

        Key words: arthritis, virus, parvovirus, rubella, hepatitis, pathogenesis