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A CONTRIBUTION TO THE BACTERIOLOGY OF RHEUMATIC FEVER.
1Lecturer on Pathological Bacteriology, and Senior Assistant to the Professor of Pathology, University of Edinburgh.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Micrococcus rheumaticus is distinct from streptococci, and acute rheumatism is not an attenuated form of streptococcal infection. The causative organism may not be detected in blood or joint fluid during uncomplicated acute rheumatism.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Rheumatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute rheumatism is a complex inflammatory condition with debated etiology.
- The relationship between streptococcal infections and acute rheumatism requires clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate the effects of streptococci injections from Micrococcus rheumaticus.
- To determine if Micrococcus rheumaticus is an attenuated streptococcus.
- To ascertain the presence of the organism in acute rheumatism cases.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of experimental injections.
- Microbiological examination of clinical samples.
Main Results:
- Injections of streptococci yielded different results compared to Micrococcus rheumaticus.
- Micrococcus rheumaticus was not identified as an attenuated streptococcus.
- Acute rheumatism was not characterized as an attenuated streptococcal pyaemia.
- The causative organism was frequently absent from blood and joint exudates in uncomplicated acute rheumatism.
Conclusions:
- Micrococcus rheumaticus is a distinct pathogen, not a variant of streptococcus.
- Acute rheumatism is not a sequela of attenuated streptococcal infection.
- Diagnostic challenges exist in detecting the organism in acute rheumatism.
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