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Controlling acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in developing countries: are we getting closer?

de Dassel, Jessica, Ralph, Anna P. and Carapetis, Jonathan R. (2015). Controlling acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in developing countries: are we getting closer?. Current Opinion in Pediatrics,27(1):116-123.

Document type: Journal Article
Citation counts: Altmetric Score Altmetric Score is 4
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IRMA ID 11381xPUB12
Title Controlling acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in developing countries: are we getting closer?
Author de Dassel, Jessica
Ralph, Anna P.
Carapetis, Jonathan R.
Journal Name Current Opinion in Pediatrics
Publication Date 2015
Volume Number 27
Issue Number 1
ISSN 1040-8703   (check CDU catalogue open catalogue search in new window)
Scopus ID 2-s2.0-84921591737
Start Page 116
End Page 123
Total Pages 8
Place of Publication United Kingdom
Publisher Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Ltd.
Field of Research MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES
HERDC Category C1 - Journal Article (DIISR)
Abstract Purpose of review: To describe new developments (2013-2014) in acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) relevant to developing countries.

Recent findings: Improved opportunities for the primary prevention of ARF now exist, because of point-of-care antigen tests for Streptococcus pyogenes, and clinical decision rules which inform management of pharyngitis without requiring culture results. There is optimism that a vaccine, providing protection against many ARF-causing S. pyogenes strains, may be available in coming years. Collaborative approaches to RHD control, including World Heart Federation initiatives and the development of registers, offer promise for better control of this disease. New data on RHD-associated costs provide persuasive arguments for better government-level investment in primary and secondary prevention. There is expanding knowledge of potential biomarkers and immunological profiles which characterize ARF/RHD, and genetic mutations conferring ARF/RHD risk, but as yet no new diagnostic testing strategy is ready for clinical application.

Summary: Reduction in the disease burden and national costs of ARF and RHD are major priorities. New initiatives in the primary and secondary prevention of ARF/RHD, novel developments in pathogenesis and biomarker research and steady progress in vaccine development, are all causes for optimism for improving control of ARF/RHD, which affect the poorest of the poor.
Keywords acute rheumatic fever
developing countries
disease control
rheumatic heart disease
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/MOP.0000000000000164   (check subscription with CDU E-Gateway service for CDU Staff and Students  check subscription with CDU E-Gateway in new window)
 
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