Which are the causes of Rheumatic Fever?

Rheumatic fever is a serious inflammatory disease that can develop as a complication of untreated or inadequately treated strep throat caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes. This condition primarily affects children between the ages of 5 and 15, but it can also occur in adults.

The main cause of rheumatic fever is an untreated strep throat infection. When a person contracts strep throat, the body's immune system produces antibodies to fight off the infection. However, in some cases, these antibodies mistakenly attack healthy tissues, particularly those in the heart, joints, skin, and central nervous system. This immune response triggers the development of rheumatic fever.

Several factors contribute to the development of rheumatic fever:

1. Genetic predisposition: Some individuals may have a genetic susceptibility to developing rheumatic fever. Certain genetic markers make some people more prone to an abnormal immune response when exposed to strep throat bacteria.



2. Delayed or inadequate treatment of strep throat: If strep throat is not promptly diagnosed and treated with appropriate antibiotics, the risk of developing rheumatic fever increases. Incomplete or insufficient treatment can also lead to the progression of the infection and subsequent complications.



3. Repeated strep throat infections: Individuals who experience recurrent episodes of strep throat are at a higher risk of developing rheumatic fever. Each infection increases the likelihood of an abnormal immune response and subsequent complications.



4. Environmental factors: Living in crowded conditions, such as in schools or military barracks, can increase the risk of strep throat transmission and subsequent development of rheumatic fever.



5. Age and gender: Rheumatic fever is more common in children and adolescents, particularly between the ages of 5 and 15. Additionally, females are more susceptible to this condition than males.

It is important to note that not everyone who has strep throat will develop rheumatic fever. The exact reasons why some individuals are more prone to this complication are still not fully understood. However, by promptly diagnosing and treating strep throat infections with appropriate antibiotics, the risk of developing rheumatic fever can be significantly reduced.