[Streptococcal infection and rheumatic fever (author's transl)]

Author reviews relations between streptococcal infections and rheumatic fever, particularly biological characteristics of streptococo, genetic and pathogenic factors. Special emphasis is placed on diagnostic criteria to avoid overdiagnosis. Finally, the basis for a program directed to eradicate the disease: screening of susceptible, individuals selection of rheumatogenic serotypes and vaccine preparation against this antigenic strains are reviewed.