What were the causes of Rheumatis fever?
Rheumatic fever is caused by a bacterial infection, usually with the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A Streptococcus (GAS).
GAS infections that can lead to rheumatic fever include:
- Strep throat
- Scarlet fever
- Skin infections, such as impetigo
Rheumatic fever is an autoimmune disease.
This means that after the initial infection with GAS, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to inflammation and damage to the heart, joints, brain, and skin.
The exact reason why some people develop rheumatic fever after a GAS infection, while others do not, is unknown. However, certain factors may increase the risk of developing rheumatic fever, including:
- Age: Rheumatic fever is most common in children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 15.
- Genetics: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to developing rheumatic fever.
- Environment: Exposure to certain environmental triggers, such as poverty, overcrowding, and malnutrition, may increase the risk of rheumatic fever.