In a 7-year-old admitted with acute rheumatic fever, which recent illness is most significant?

In a 7-year-old admitted with acute rheumatic fever, which recent illness is most significant?

• A. Chickenpox
• B. Mumps
• C. Sore throat
• D. Influenza

Answer: (C)

Acute rheumatic fever follows a prior infection with group A Streptococcus, most commonly a throat infection (strep throat). The immune response to GAS can produce antibodies that cross-react with heart and joint tissues, leading to ARF weeks after the illness. Because of this, a recent sore throat is the most significant antecedent in a child with ARF, since it most likely represents a GAS pharyngitis that could trigger the condition. Viral illnesses like chickenpox, mumps, and influenza are not typical triggers for ARF, so they don’t carry the same causal significance in this context.

Acute rheumatic fever follows a prior infection with group A Streptococcus, most commonly a throat infection (strep throat). The immune response to GAS can produce antibodies that cross-react with heart and joint tissues, leading to ARF weeks after the illness. Because of this, a recent sore throat is the most significant antecedent in a child with ARF, since it most likely represents a GAS pharyngitis that could trigger the condition. Viral illnesses like chickenpox, mumps, and influenza are not typical triggers for ARF, so they don’t carry the same causal significance in this context.