Group A Streptococcus, Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease: Epidemiology and Clinical Considerations

Liesl J. Zühlke, Andrea Beaton, Mark Emmanuel Engel, Christopher T. Hugo-Hamman, Ganesan Karthikeyan, Judith M. Katzenellenbogen, Ntobeko Ntusi, Anna P. Ralph, Anita Saxena, Pierre R. Smeesters, David Watkins, Peter Zilla, Jonathan Carapetis

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    Abstract

    Early recognition of group A streptococcal pharyngitis and appropriate management with benzathine penicillin using local clinical prediction rules together with validated rapi-strep testing when available should be incorporated in primary health care. A directed approach to the differential diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever now includes the concept of low-risk versus medium-to-high risk populations. Initiation of secondary prophylaxis and the establishment of early medium to long-term care plans is a key aspect of the management of ARF. It is a requirement to identify high-risk individuals with RHD such as those with heart failure, pregnant women, and those with severe disease and multiple valve involvement. As penicillin is the mainstay of primary and secondary prevention, further research into penicillin supply chains, alternate preparations and modes of delivery is required.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article number15
    Pages (from-to)1-23
    Number of pages23
    JournalCurrent Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine
    Volume19
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Feb 2017

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