Rheumatic fever is not caused by a bacterium, but is a complication of a streptococcal infection.
Updated on June 01, 2025
00:00
00:00
Rheumatic fever is associated with Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection and is a systemic inflammatory disease. The detailed pathogenesis is not yet very clear. Common clinical manifestations include joint pain, subcutaneous nodules, erythema marginatum, fever, chorea, and carditis. The characteristic of joint pain is that it generally does not leave joint deformities, and presents as migratory pain in the large joints of the limbs. Carditis can affect the heart valves and endocardium, primarily commonly involving the mitral or tricuspid valves. During the acute phase, penicillin antibiotics are needed for anti-infective treatment.
Trending Health Topics

Get the latest health & wellness news daily right to your inbox.
By subscribing, you agree to the Privacy Policy.
