Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
07:21
Tick Microbiome Characterization by Next-Generation 16S rRNA Amplicon Sequencing
Published on: August 25, 2018
The Pathogenesis of Rheumatic Fever in its Climatological Relationship to a Possible Insect Carrier
Proceedings of the Royal Society of Medicine
|December 9, 2009
Summary
Rheumatic fever
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Rheumatic heart disease in children is a significant concern.
- Existing data for a global map of rheumatism incidence is insufficient.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compile data for a world map of rheumatism incidence.
- To investigate the geographical correlation between rheumatic fever and rat fleas.
- To propose a novel etiological agent for rheumatic fever.
Main Methods:
- Data collection for global rheumatism incidence.
- Geographical distribution analysis of rheumatic fever.
- Correlation study with the common rat flea (Ceratophyllus fasciatus).
Main Results:
- Data for a world map of rheumatism incidence has been provided.
- A geographical coincidence between rheumatic fever and Ceratophyllus fasciatus was observed.
- The study suggests an infectious etiology for rheumatic fever.
Conclusions:
- The study provides foundational data for mapping rheumatic fever globally.
- The presence of the rat flea, Ceratophyllus fasciatus, is linked to rheumatic fever distribution.
- Rheumatic fever may be caused by a protozoan, spirochaete, or similar organism transmitted by this flea.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
01:26Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.
01:22Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
01:20Infection
When a pathogen enters the body and reproduces, it can cause an infection, damage body cells, and cause illness symptoms that eventually lead to disease. Therefore, its prevention requires breaking the chain of infection.
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
01:27Streptococcal Pharyngitis
Streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as “strep throat,” is an acute infection of the oropharyngeal tissues caused by the Gram‑positive Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking.Mechanisms of Host Entry and Immune EvasionUpon entering the host, S. pyogenes adheres to the mucosal epithelial cells of the pharynx via surface proteins, notably lipoteichoic acid and the antiphagocytic...
01:30Reservoir of Infection
Infectious diseases arise from intricate interactions between pathogens and their reservoirs. A reservoir of infection refers to the natural habitat where a pathogen lives, grows, and multiplies, serving as a continual source of infection. Reservoirs are broadly classified as either living or nonliving, and each plays a unique role in disease transmission, significantly influencing public health interventions and control strategies.Humans act as reservoirs for a wide array of pathogens,...