Rheumatic Fever - Jones Criteria

An autoimmune condition. Peak incidence is 5-15 yrs of age.

Triggered by infection with Group A beta-haemolytic strep.

An antigen to the cell wall of the bacteria cross-reacts with valve tissue.

Usually symptoms develop 2-4 wks after the infection.

Still common in the third world but rare in the western world.

The revised Jones Criteria - can be used to diagnose Rheumatic Fever

Requires evidence of recent strep infection +2 major criteria or 1 major + 2 minor.



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