Question

For a child with a prior history of rheumatic fever, what prophylactic measures are commonly recommended to prevent strep pharyngitis?

Answer 1

Long-term prophylactic antibiotic treatment with benzathine benzylpenicillin every 3 to 4 weeks is recommended to prevent strep pharyngitis in a child with a history of rheumatic fever.

Step-by-step explanation:

Prophylactic measures commonly recommended for a child with a history of rheumatic fever to prevent strep pharyngitis include long-term antibiotic treatment. Specifically, the American Heart Association suggests the use of benzathine benzylpenicillin injected every 3 to 4 weeks. This regimen helps to prevent recurrent infections with Streptococcus pyogenes, the bacterium responsible for strep throat, which can trigger another episode of rheumatic fever, particularly in those with a history of the disease. The use of such antibiotics is crucial, as acute rheumatic fever can lead to serious complications such as carditis and lasting heart valve damage.