Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF)

Most cases of ARF occur in children 5 to 15 years of age.

The pathogenic mechanisms that lead to the development of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) remain incompletely understood. Streptococcal pharyngeal infection is required, although evidence is sparse that toxins produced by the streptococcus are important. Molecular mimicry, due to activation of autoreactive B and T cells by GAS antigens, is thought to play an important role in the initiation of the tissue injury. Genetic susceptibility may also be a factor.