All of the following has provided evidence for the relationship between streptococcal
infection and rheumatic fever except:
A. positive immunologic tests, such as antistreptolysin O titers
B. reduced attack rates following adequate penicillin therapy of streptococcal infections
C. demonstrated cross reactivity between streptococcal antigens and myocardial tissues
D. isolation of Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci from joint and cardiac tissue lesions in
patients with active rheumatic fever
The correct answer is: D. isolation of Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci from joint and cardiac tissue lesions in patients with active rheumatic fever
While Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS) are the trigger for rheumatic fever (RF), they are not typically isolated from joint and cardiac tissue lesions in patients with active RF. Instead, the evidence for the relationship between streptococcal infection and RF comes from:
– Positive immunologic tests, such as antistreptolysin O (ASO) titers (A), which indicate recent streptococcal infection
– Reduced attack rates of RF following adequate penicillin therapy of streptococcal infections (B), demonstrating the preventive effect of treating the triggering infection