Research

Acute Rheumatic Fever Study

Acute Rheumatic Fever in Allegheny County: Incidence and GABHS M-Types

Protocol Description

Acute rheumatic fever occurs in some children as a complication of streptococcal throat infection (strep throat). This study was created because there has been an increase in the occurrence of acute rheumatic fever in certain areas of the United States, including Western Pennsylvania. The research will examine the strains of streptococcus, which may be causing acute rheumatic fever in Allegheny County and surrounding counties.

Eligibility Criteria

Approximately 12 children with rheumatic fever who come to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC will be asked to be enrolled each year. Friends or relatives of the child will also be enrolled as participants if they have close contact and may be carriers of the streptococcal bacteria.
Boys: Under age 20
Girls: Under age 20

Requirements
A throat culture will be obtained from the participant while at the hospital. The throat culture will be used to identify specific strains of the streptococcal bacteria. Some patients may be asked to provide a blood sample to look for streptococcal proteins.
Visits: 1
Duration: 1 hour

Status: Open for Enrollment

Source of Support
Departmental Funding and Pediatric Clinical Translational Research Center,
Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC