Date of Publication :7th April 2016

Abstract: Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) is a nonsuppurative complication of group A Streptococcal pharyngitis, Streptococcus pyogenes in particular. RHD is a significant cause for cardiovascular disorder in the world today.Despite a documented decrease in the prevalence of the disease, it continues topose medical and public health problems in both industrialized and industrializing countries. For at least five decades Rheumatic Heart Disease has been a concern of the World Health Organization and its member countries. Sentinel studies conducted under the auspices of the WHO clearly documented that the control of the preceding infections and their sequel is both cost effective and inexpensive. The project aims to provide a three way approach to the diagnosis of Rheumatic heart disease: identification of Streptococcus pyogenes, Allele analysis and Jones’s criteria. The initial identification is corroborated by a positive throat culture through a swab test. Allele analysis based on three ethnicities: Black, White and Indian, is directed toward determination of odds ratio. Jones’s criterion is divided into a set of major and minor criteria. The major criteria and the minor criteria together with a preceding instance of infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes indicate the stage of the disease. However, till RHD remains to be conquered, optimal methods of prevention and management are required.

Reference :