An Investigation into the Cause of Rheumatic Fever in Children

Abstract

1. Bacteriological examination from the tonsils and post-nasal space in forty-six cases of acute and sub-acute rheumatism resulted in streptococci alone being isolated.2. The streptococci isolated fell into three groups, S. mitis, S. salivarius, and eleven strains of S. cardioarthritidis.3. Comparison of the strains of S. cardioarthritidis with strains isolated in America show them to be closely related.4. No evidence was found of an exotoxin.5. Evidence was found of the presence of an endotoxin or lysate which produces an antitoxin.6. Intravenous inoculation of the lysate into rabbits appears definitely to affect the heart muscle and lungs, and to some extent the liver and kidneys.