Definition

Rheumatic fever (RF) is an illness which arises as a
complication of untreated or inadequately treated strep
throat infection. Rheumatic fever can seriously damage
the valves of the heart.

Description

Throat infection with a member of the Group A
streptococcus (strep) bacteria is a common problem
among school-aged children. It is easily treated with a
ten-day course of antibiotics by mouth. However, when
such a throat infection occurs without symptoms, or
when a course of medication is not taken for the full ten
days, there is a 3% chance of that person developing
rheumatic fever. Other types of strep infections (such as
of the skin) do not put the patient at risk for RF.
Children between the ages of five and fifteen are
most susceptible to strep throat, and therefore most susceptible
to rheumatic fever. Other risk factors include
poverty, overcrowding (as in military camps), and lack of
access to good medical care. Just as strep throat occurs
most frequently in fall, winter, and early spring, so does
rheumatic fever.

Causes and symptoms

Two different theories exist as to how a bacterial
throat infection can develop into the disease called
rheumatic fever. One theory, less supported by research
evidence, suggests that the bacteria produce some kind of
poisonous chemical (toxin). This toxin is sent into circulation
throughout the bloodstream, thus affecting other
systems of the body.

Research seems to point to a different theory, however.
This theory suggests that the disease is caused by
the body