Rheumatic Fever Flashcards
(15 cards)
What pathogen is associated with rheumatic fever?
Streptocooccus pyogenes Occurs 2-4 weeks after the infection
What activates the innate immune system in the pathogenesis of rheumatic fever?
Streptococcus pyogenes infection
What type of immune response is thought to be mediated by molecular mimicry in rheumatic fever?
Cross-reactive immune response (type II hypersensitivity)
What virulence factor of Streptococcus pyogenes is highly antigenic?
M protein
What do antibodies against M protein cross-react with in rheumatic fever?
Myosin and the smooth muscle of arteries
What describes the granulomatous nodules found in rheumatic heart fever?
Aschoff bodies
What are the diagnostic criteria for rheumatic fever known as?
Jones Criteria
What is considered evidence of recent streptococcal infection?
History of scarlet fever, positive throat swab, rising ASOT >200 U/mL, or DNase B titre
How many major criteria are needed for a diagnosis of rheumatic fever?
Two major criteria or one major and two minor criteria
List the major criteria for diagnosing rheumatic fever.
Physical findings:
* Erythema marginatum
* Sydenham’s chorea
* Polyarthritis
* Carditis and valvulitis
* Subcutaneous nodules
What is a clinical correlate of endocarditis in rheumatic fever?
Valvulitis, which manifests as a regurgitant murmur
List the minor criteria for diagnosing rheumatic fever.
Test findings:
* Raised ESR or CRP
* Pyrexia
* Arthralgia (not if arthritis is a major criterion)
* Prolonged PR interval
What is the most common complication of rheumatic fever?
Mitral stenosis
What is the second most common complication of rheumatic fever?
Mitral regurgitation
What is Scarlett fever?
Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection, typically caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Strep), that often follows a strep throat or skin infection like impetigo. It is characterized by a distinctive, pink-red rash that feels rough like sandpaper.
