What Role do Streptococcus Species Play in Rheumatic Fever?
Rheumatic fever is a serious complication of Group A streptococcal infections. Histologically, rheumatic fever is characterized by the presence of Aschoff bodies in the heart tissue, which are areas of inflammation containing lymphocytes, plasma cells, and macrophages. The condition can lead to chronic rheumatic heart disease, where there is fibrosis and scarring of the heart valves.
