Podcast Beta
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?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the predisposing factors for Rheumatic Fever?
Signup and view all the answers
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.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
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.
