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Questions and Answers
Which mechanism is responsible for the formation of antibodies against heart muscles in Rheumatic Fever?
What is a major clinical manifestation of Rheumatic Fever?
What is the age range in which Rheumatic Fever is common?
What is a minor clinical manifestation of Rheumatic Fever?
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What are the predisposing factors for Rheumatic Fever?
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Study Notes
Mechanism of Antibody Formation
- Molecular mimicry occurs when Streptococcus pyogenes antigens resemble heart muscle proteins, leading to an autoimmune response.
- The immune system produces antibodies that mistakenly target heart tissues, causing inflammation and damage.
Major Clinical Manifestation
- Carditis is a major clinical manifestation, characterized by inflammation of the heart valves and myocardium, leading to potential heart failure or valve stenosis.
Age Range
- Rheumatic Fever predominantly affects children and adolescents, with a common age range of 5 to 15 years.
Minor Clinical Manifestation
- Fever is a minor clinical manifestation, often presenting alongside other symptoms such as malaise or arthralgia.
Predisposing Factors
- A history of untreated or inadequately treated streptococcal pharyngitis increases the risk of developing Rheumatic Fever.
- Socioeconomic factors, including overcrowding and lack of access to healthcare, contribute to higher incidence rates.
- Genetic susceptibility may play a role in an individual's risk of autoimmune reactions following streptococcal infections.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Rheumatic Fever with this quiz. Explore the incidence, predisposing factors, and characteristics of this immunologically-mediated collagen disease, which is common in children between the ages of 5 and 15.