Medindia
Discover the benefits of premium membership Register
Medindia » Disease & Condition

Rheumatic fever - Causes

Medically Reviewed by The Medindia Medical Review Team on Sep 24, 2014


What are the Causes of Rheumatic Fever?

Rheumaticfever usually develops 2 to 6 weeks after a streptococcal infection.

The exact link between strep infection and rheumatic fever is not clear.


The bacterium contains a protein similar to a protein found in certain tissues of the body. Therefore, the immune system cells that would normally target the strep bacterium may treat the body's own tissues as if they were the infectious agents; particularly tissues of the heart, joints, skin and central nervous system. This immune system reaction results in inflammation.

Cite this Article

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Dr. Trupti Shirole. (2014, September 24). What are the Causes of Rheumatic Fever?. Medindia. Retrieved on Dec 26, 2024 from https://www.medindia.net/health/conditions/what-are-the-causes-of-rheumatic-fever.htm.

  • MLA

    Dr. Trupti Shirole. "What are the Causes of Rheumatic Fever?". Medindia. Dec 26, 2024. <https://www.medindia.net/health/conditions/what-are-the-causes-of-rheumatic-fever.htm>.

  • Chicago

    Dr. Trupti Shirole. "What are the Causes of Rheumatic Fever?". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/health/conditions/what-are-the-causes-of-rheumatic-fever.htm. (accessed Dec 26, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Dr. Trupti Shirole. 2014. What are the Causes of Rheumatic Fever?. Medindia, viewed Dec 26, 2024, https://www.medindia.net/health/conditions/what-are-the-causes-of-rheumatic-fever.htm.

View Non AMP Site | Back to top ↑