Journal article
Understanding group A streptococcal pharyngitis and skin infections as causes of rheumatic fever: Protocol for a prospective disease incidence study
J Bennett, NJ Moreland, J Oliver, J Crane, DA Williamson, D Sika-Paotonu, M Harwood, A Upton, S Smith, J Carapetis, MG Baker
BMC Infectious Diseases | BMC | Published : 2019
Open access
Abstract
Background: Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infections cause the autoimmune disease acute rheumatic fever (ARF), which can progress to chronic rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Treating pharyngitis caused by GAS with antibiotics is important in preventing ARF. However, it is difficult to distinguish these infections from GAS carriers. There is growing evidence for GAS skin infections as a cause of ARF. This study will identify the incidence of true GAS pharyngitis and serological responses to GAS skin infections. The effectiveness of antibiotics for these conditions will be explored, and modifiable risk factors. Serum antibody titres indicating the upper limits of normal (ULN for ASO/ADB antibodies..
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Awarded by Health Research Council of New Zealand
Funding Acknowledgements
The study was funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC), award number 16/005. The funding body approved the aims and broad design of the study but had no role in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data or in writing the manuscript or the decision to publish.