Etiology and Pathogenesis of Rheumatic Fever

The Comparative Effects of Continuous and Intermittent Penicillin Therapy on the Formation of Antistreptolysin in Hemolytic Streptococcal Pharyngitis 1

“…This incidence is comparable to the value of other observers (9,10 (Figure 2). The greatest rise ( 1150 units) is graphically shown in Figure 3.…”

“…More recently, Rantz, Boisvert, and Spink (10) have described a significant antistreptolysin response in 87.5 per cent of 342 patients with streptococcal sore throat. All three groups of workers (9,10,19) have also commented on the correlation of acute attacks of rheumatic fever and a rise in antisteptolysin titer. Similar rises have been noted in acute glomerulonephritis.…”

Streptococcal Rheumatic Carditis.

“…Epidemiological and clinical studies have clearly established that antecedent streptococcal infection is a prerequisite to rheumatic fever (92,165,205,206,248). Widespread involvement of connective tissue structures, including endocardium, heart valves, myocardium, pericardium, lung and pleura, tendons, joints, subcutaneous tissue, and finally brain function, is supported by the clinical picture of the disease, as well as by numerous pathological studies.…”

A Consideration of the so-called Collagen or Systemic Connective Tissue Diseases (Part 2 of 2)

“…The fluid obtained from the joints in these cases is sterile. Many years ago, Swift (69,70) and others (182) established that infections of the upper respiratory tract with non-hcmolytic streptococci preceded by a variable time interval typical acute rheumatic fever. It is speculated that the antigen may be an auto-antigen activated by the streptococcus (183,184).…”