Rheumatic fever is commonly associated with affection of: September 2005
Ans. B: Mitral valveRheumatic fever is a systemic disease affecting the peri-aeriolar connective tissue and can occur after an untreated Group A Beta hemolytic streptococcal pharyngeal infection.It is believed to be caused by antibody cross-reactivity. This cross-reactivity is a Type II hypersensitivity reaction and is termed molecular mimicry.Group A streptococcus pyogenes has a cell wall composed of branched polymers which sometimes contain M protein that are highly antigenic. The antibodies which the immune system generates against the M protein may cross react with cardiac myofiber protein myosin, hea muscle glycogen and smooth muscle cells of aeries, inducing cytokine release and tissue destruction.
Tricuspid valve
Mitral valve
Aoic valve
Pulmonary valve