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Questions and Answers
What is the primary cause of acute rheumatic fever?
What is the primary cause of acute rheumatic fever?
Which age group is most susceptible to acute rheumatic fever?
Which age group is most susceptible to acute rheumatic fever?
What environmental factors are associated with increased incidence of acute rheumatic fever?
What environmental factors are associated with increased incidence of acute rheumatic fever?
Which body systems are primarily involved in acute rheumatic fever?
Which body systems are primarily involved in acute rheumatic fever?
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What is the pathogenesis of acute rheumatic fever?
What is the pathogenesis of acute rheumatic fever?
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Study Notes
Causes and Susceptibility
- Acute rheumatic fever primarily arises from complications of untreated streptococcal throat infections, especially caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS).
- The age group most susceptible to acute rheumatic fever is children between 5 and 15 years old, though it can occur in adults.
Environmental Factors
- Increased incidence of acute rheumatic fever is associated with overcrowded living conditions, poor sanitation, and limited access to healthcare.
- Socioeconomic status plays a significant role, as lower-income populations often experience higher rates of infections and subsequent rheumatic fever.
Involved Body Systems
- Acute rheumatic fever primarily affects the cardiovascular system, manifesting as rheumatic heart disease.
- The immune system is also significantly involved, leading to inflammatory responses that affect the joints and skin.
Pathogenesis
- The pathogenesis involves a post-infectious autoimmune response, where the body mistakenly attacks its own tissues after a streptococcal infection.
- Molecular mimicry between streptococcal antigens and heart, joint, and brain tissues leads to inflammation and symptoms associated with acute rheumatic fever.
- Damage to connective tissue occurs, particularly in the heart valves due to the prolonged inflammatory response.
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Description
Test your knowledge of acute rheumatic fever with this quiz. Explore the etiology, clinical manifestations, and epidemiology of this systemic disease, which often affects children.
