Question

The initial presentation of acute rheumatic fever is preceded by?

1) a viral illness
2) group a streptococcal infection
3) exposure to mites
4) exposure to chicken pox

Answer 1

Acute rheumatic fever is typically preceded by a group A streptococcal infection. An inadequately treated infection can trigger an autoimmune response, leading to inflammation of the heart and other organs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The initial presentation of acute rheumatic fever is preceded by a group A streptococcal infection. This bacterial infection can cause a range of symptoms, including strep throat. Often, if the streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat) is untreated or inadequately treated, it can lead to acute rheumatic fever, an autoimmune response. Acute rheumatic fever is characterized by a nonsuppurative, immune-mediated damage that occurs due to the body's cross-reaction between antibodies to bacterial surface proteins and similar proteins found in the heart, joints, and nervous tissue. The most serious sequela of acute rheumatic fever is carditis, or inflammation of the heart, which can lead to permanent damage to heart valves.

Answer 2

The initial presentation of acute rheumatic fever is preceded by a group A streptococcal infection. Option 2 is the answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is an inflammatory condition that may develop following an untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal infection, typically strep throat. The immune response triggered by the streptococcal infection can lead to an autoimmune reaction affecting various organs, including the heart, joints, skin, and nervous system. This condition often arises 2-4 weeks after the initial streptococcal infection. The symptoms include fever, joint pain, skin rash, and potential cardiac complications. Unlike some other diseases, the initial presentation of acute rheumatic fever is not preceded by exposure to mites, chickenpox, or a viral illness.

Option 2 is the answer.