Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Generation of Two-color Antigen Microarrays for the Simultaneous Detection of IgG and IgM Autoantibodies
10:16

Generation of Two-color Antigen Microarrays for the Simultaneous Detection of IgG and IgM Autoantibodies

Published on: September 15, 2016

Serologic evidence for a class I group A streptococcal infection among rheumatic fever patients

D E Bessen1, L G Veasy, H R Hill

  • 1Department of Epidemiology and Public Health (Microbiology Section), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA.

The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|December 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Rheumatic fever (RF) patients show a distinct immune response to Group A streptococci (GAS). Their sera contain antibodies targeting the class I M protein epitope specific to GAS strains linked to RF outbreaks.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Group A streptococci (GAS) serotypes linked to rheumatic fever (RF) outbreaks possess a unique M protein epitope.
  • GAS are classified as class I (with the epitope) or class II (without).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if rheumatic fever patients exhibit an altered immune response to the class I-specific epitope on GAS M protein.

Main Methods:

  • Serum IgG immunoreactivity was assessed in individuals with acute RF, uncomplicated GAS pharyngitis, and no recent GAS infection.
  • Tests focused on responses to both class I- and class II-specific epitopes.

Main Results:

  • Rheumatic fever patients demonstrated significantly elevated serum IgG levels against the class I-specific epitope.
  • These patients lacked immunoreactivity to the class II epitope.
  • Individuals with uncomplicated GAS pharyngitis or no recent infection showed different antibody profiles.

Conclusions:

  • The immune response in RF patients suggests recent infection with class I GAS strains.
  • This serological finding supports a link between specific GAS M protein epitopes and RF pathogenesis.

More Related Videos

Simultaneous Detection of Different Antibody Classes in a Multiplexed Serological Test05:25

Simultaneous Detection of Different Antibody Classes in a Multiplexed Serological Test

Published on: July 14, 2023

A Pre-Clinical Model of Synovitis Using Ex vivo Human Synovial Tissue with Preserved Function and Architecture08:32

A Pre-Clinical Model of Synovitis Using Ex vivo Human Synovial Tissue with Preserved Function and Architecture

Published on: March 20, 2026

Related Concept Videos

Tonsillitis I: Introduction01:30

Tonsillitis I: Introduction

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymphoid tissue masses at the back of the throat. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation in the throat.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic 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...
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic 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...
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management01:21

Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...
Streptococcal Pharyngitis01:27

Streptococcal 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...