Acute rheumatic fever

Definition

Acute rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can develop as a complication of untreated or poorly treated Streptococcus pyogenes throat infections. It primarily affects the heart, joints, skin, and brain.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Acute rheumatic fever typically follows group A Streptococcus pharyngitis by about 2-4 weeks.
2. It is diagnosed based on the Jones criteria, which include major and minor clinical findings such as carditis, arthritis, and fever.
3. The pathogenesis involves molecular mimicry where antibodies against Streptococcus bacteria cross-react with human tissues.
4. Preventing acute rheumatic fever hinges on prompt antibiotic treatment of streptococcal throat infections.
5. Long-term complications can include chronic rheumatic heart disease, which may require surgical intervention.

Review Questions

• What bacterium is responsible for causing acute rheumatic fever?
• Name two major criteria used in diagnosing acute rheumatic fever according to the Jones criteria.
• How does molecular mimicry contribute to the development of acute rheumatic fever?

Related terms

Streptococcus pyogenes: A bacterial species that causes streptococcal pharyngitis and can lead to acute rheumatic fever if untreated.

Jones Criteria: A set of guidelines used to diagnose acute rheumatic fever based on major and minor clinical findings.

Rheumatic Heart Disease: A long-term consequence of acute rheumatic fever characterized by permanent damage to heart valves.