Final answer:
Scarlet fever is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes and is characterized by fever and a rash. The infection can be treated with antimicrobial drugs such as penicillin, which also aids in preventing serious complications like acute rheumatic fever. However, penicillin cannot reduce the risk of acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Scarlet fever, also known as scarlatina, is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A streptococci, GAS). This infection is characterized by a high fever and a fine red rash on the skin, typically proceeding a sore throat or streptococcal pharyngitis. Antimicrobial drugs like penicillin are prescribed to treat the infection and, most importantly, to prevent serious sequelae such as acute rheumatic fever (ARF).
The link between streptococcal infections and acute rheumatic fever is well established. Acute rheumatic fever is a nonsuppurative sequela that can develop weeks after an untreated or inadequately treated streptococcal infection, potentially leading to rheumatic heart disease. Treatment of GAS with penicillin is effective in preventing rheumatic fever, although it does not reduce the risk of another nonsuppurative sequela, acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN).