Related Experiment Videos
Streptococcal antibody tests in rheumatic fever
Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science
|March 1, 1986
Summary
Antibody testing aids in diagnosing rheumatic fever, especially new anti-Group A carbohydrate tests. These tests help differentiate rheumatic heart disease from other cardiac conditions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- Rheumatic fever incidence has decreased but accurate diagnosis remains crucial.
- Differentiating rheumatic fever from similar conditions requires specific diagnostic tools.
- Antibody testing for streptococcal extracellular enzymes is vital for diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging antibody tests for diagnosing rheumatic fever.
- To highlight the utility of anti-Group A carbohydrate tests in differentiating rheumatic heart disease.
Main Methods:
- Review of serological tests for streptococcal antibodies.
- Evaluation of antibody detection methods including anti-streptolysin O, anti-DNase-B, and the streptozyme test.
- Assessment of novel anti-Group A carbohydrate antibody tests.
Main Results:
- Antibodies to streptolysin O and DNase-B are common single antibody tests.
- The streptozyme test is increasingly used as a screening tool.
- Anti-Group A carbohydrate tests show promise for long-term differentiation.
Conclusions:
- Antibody testing remains essential for diagnosing rheumatic fever.
- Anti-Group A carbohydrate antibodies persist in rheumatic valvular disease, aiding differentiation.
- Newer antibody tests improve diagnostic accuracy for rheumatic heart disease.