Rheumatic fever is a systemic immune response resulting from an infection of which organism?

Rheumatic fever is a systemic autoimmune response that occurs following an infection with Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, particularly Streptococcus pyogenes. This infection often manifests as pharyngitis or strep throat. Following the initial infection, the body mounts an immune response against the streptococcal antigens; however, due to molecular mimicry, this immune response can inadvertently target the body’s own tissues, particularly affecting the heart, joints, skin, and nervous system.

The timing of rheumatic fever typically occurs several weeks after the initial throat infection, and it can lead to serious complications, including rheumatic heart disease, which can permanently damage heart valves. The recognition of beta-hemolytic streptococcus as the causative organism is critical in the diagnostic approach to rheumatic fever as it directly influences treatment strategies, including prophylactic measures to prevent future infections and subsequent episodes of rheumatic fever.

The other organisms listed do not lead to rheumatic fever. Staphylococcus aureus can cause a variety of infections but is not linked to rheumatic fever. Pneumococcus primarily causes pneumonia and does not trigger rheumatic fever. Escherichia coli is known for causing gastrointestinal infections and urinary tract infections, and