Acute rheumatic fever is still a clinical challenge -- 333 (7579): 0 -- BMJ

Acute rheumatic fever is still a clinical challenge -- 333 (7579): 0 -- BMJ: "BMJ 2006;333 (2 December), doi:10.1136/bmj.333.7579.0-b
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Acute rheumatic fever is still a clinical challenge
Acute rheumatic fever, now rare in high income populations, remains highly prevalent in developing countries where access to health care is poor, says Cilliers (doi: 10.1136/bmj.39031.420637.BE) in her clinical review. Although it is known to be caused by humoral and cell mediated immune responses to group A beta haemolytic streptococcus antigens, the syndrome of carditis, polyarthritis, and skin or neurological changes is still not completely understood. Only 0.3-3% of patients with acute streptococcal pharyngitis develop rheumatic fever and a genetic predisposition is certain.

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Antoinette M CilliersBMJ 2006 333: 1153-1156. [Extract] [Full Text]