Group A Streptococcal Infections as Related to Rheumatic Fever

Abstract

Beta-hemolytic streptococci were recovered frequently, particularly from the throats of children, and the same type of group A strains was isolated from both throats and tonsils. A significant antibody response to streptolysin O was observed in 44.8 to 43.5% of children whom group A streptococci were recovered. It is considered that these children had the definite evidence of acute streptococcal infections, and administration of josamycin, penicillin G, and benzyl penicillin V benzathine decreases the frequency of recovery of beta-hemolytic streptococci and prevents rheumatic fever.