Rheumatic Fever News and Research

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Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that may develop two to three weeks after a Group A streptococcal infection (such as strep throat or scarlet fever). It is believed to be caused by antibody cross-reactivity and can involve the heart, joints, skin, and brain.

Researcers identify a new array of genes in GAS

Group A streptococcus (GAS) is a human pathogenic bacteria. Many people carry GAS asymptomatically in their upper respiratory tract and other anatomic sites. However, these bacteria can cause a variety of human diseases ranging from superficial skin and throat infections to highly invasive life-threatening diseases such as toxic shock and necrotizing fasciitis, commonly known as the flesh-eating bacteria.

10 Nov 2009

Help for children with rheumatic heart disease

These bacteria carry a special protein sequence, the so-called PARF motif, on their surface.

2 Mar 2009

Many neglected diseases lacking research funding

The first comprehensive survey of global spending on neglected disease R&D, published in this week's PLoS Medicine , finds that just over $US 2.5 billion was invested into R&D of new products in 2007, with three diseases-HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria-receiving nearly 80% of the total

5 Feb 2009

CDC MMR/autism study - wrong questions asked, wrong children studied, wrong conclusions NAA says

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study released today claims there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism. The National Autism Association (NAA) says this study does nothing to dispel the growing public concern over a vaccine-autism connection and raises several questions concerning design and methodology.

4 Sep 2008

CDC MMR/autism study - wrong questions asked, wrong children studied, wrong conclusions NAA says

4 Sep 2008

Researchers highlight distinct subtypes of myalgic encephalomyelitis

Researchers have identified distinct subtypes of myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS - also referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome) and there is renewed hope that treatments are available for this debilitating neurological illness.

7 May 2008

7-step guide to understanding tonsils and strep

Fifteen-year-old Kaci Jawegg's family knew the signs and symptoms all too well: It would start with itchy ears, followed by a sore and scratchy throat.

6 Aug 2007

Antibiotics before dental procedures may do more harm than good

Taking a precautionary antibiotic before a trip to the dentist isn't necessary for most people, and in fact, might create more harm than good, according to updated recommendations from the American Heart Association.

20 Apr 2007

Quick diagnosis test for streptococcal strains

A streptococcal infection may initially cause nothing more than a relatively harmless sore throat. It can, however, also lead to potentially fatal disease or lifelong disability.

8 Mar 2007

New guidelines on the treatment of diabetes, cardiovascular and valvular heart diseases published

The first, pan-European guidelines to be published on the treatment of valvular heart disease, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases have made a series of new recommendations which experts hope will contribute to improving the outcome of patients with these diseases.

6 Feb 2007

Cardiovascular disease impact varies according to age, gender, other factors

Cardiovascular disease deaths have declined in the last 25 years, but the effect of America's No. 1 killer varies greatly based on gender, age, location and type, according to a study reported in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

9 May 2006

Early exposure to inflammatory disease multiplies Alzheimer's risk

A new study of dementia in identical twins suggests that exposure to inflammation early in life quadruples one's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

19 Jun 2005

Genetic link suggested in deaths from cardiac valve diseases

Deaths from cardiac valve diseases appear to run in families, suggesting a significant genetic component, according to a study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

2 Nov 2004

QIMR researchers have received a 5 year grant to develop a vaccine against Group A streptococcus

QIMR researchers have received a 5 year grant from the National Institutes of Health in the USA to develop a vaccine against Group A streptococcus. This extremely prestigious grant makes QIMR one of the most successful recipients of NIH funding in Australia.

18 Oct 2004

Australian researchers are working on a vaccine to prevent rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease

The Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) Australia, is working on a vaccine to prevent rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease are a secondary complication of a bacterial infection.

12 May 2004

Canadian woman dies of flesh eating disease

A Canadian women has died and another patient is in a serious condition following an outbreak of so-called "flesh-eating disease" in Canada.

2 May 2004

Rheumatic Fever News and Research

Further Reading

Researcers identify a new array of genes in GAS

Help for children with rheumatic heart disease

Many neglected diseases lacking research funding

CDC MMR/autism study - wrong questions asked, wrong children studied, wrong conclusions NAA says

CDC MMR/autism study - wrong questions asked, wrong children studied, wrong conclusions NAA says

Researchers highlight distinct subtypes of myalgic encephalomyelitis

7-step guide to understanding tonsils and strep

Antibiotics before dental procedures may do more harm than good

Quick diagnosis test for streptococcal strains

New guidelines on the treatment of diabetes, cardiovascular and valvular heart diseases published

Cardiovascular disease impact varies according to age, gender, other factors

Early exposure to inflammatory disease multiplies Alzheimer's risk

Genetic link suggested in deaths from cardiac valve diseases

QIMR researchers have received a 5 year grant to develop a vaccine against Group A streptococcus

Australian researchers are working on a vaccine to prevent rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease

Canadian woman dies of flesh eating disease

More evidence needed to link symptoms like tics or behavioral problems to a strep infection

Breaking Barriers: ANDYSMANCLUB's Fight for Men's Mental Health on World Mental Health Day

Arrayed CRISPR Screening for Revolutionizing Target Discovery

Innovations in baculovirus–insect cell expression systems

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