Reports and Findings
Research
The second rheumatic heart disease forum reportBuilding on the foundation of the first RHD forum, over 150 interested participants met to discuss critical issues on the RHD landscape.
Research
Benzathine penicillin G for the management of RHD: Concerns about quality and access, and opportunities for intervention and improvementBenzathine penicillin G is an important antibiotic for the treatment and prevention of group A streptococcal infections associated with rheumatic fever and...
Research
A conceptual framework for comprehensive rheumatic heart disease control programsThe World Health Organization, World Heart Federation, and other organizations recommend comprehensive control programs for rheumatic fever (RF) and...
Research
Prevention of rheumatic fever and heart disease: Nepalese experienceHistorically, many young people suffered severe valvular disease and died awaiting heart valve replacement.
Research
Continued challenge of rheumatic heart disease: The gap of understanding or the gap of implementation?We still do not have a RF vaccine, although the recent announcement that the Australian and New Zealand governments are jointly sponsoring a program to fast...
Research
Extensive Diversity of Streptococcus pyogenes in a Remote Human Population Reflects Global-Scale Transmission Rather than Localised DiversificationThe Indigenous population of the Northern Territory of Australia (NT) suffers from a very high burden of Streptococcus pyogenes disease, including cardiac...
Research
Utility of auscultatory screening for detecting rheumatic heart disease in high-risk children in Australia's Northern TerritorySensitivity and positive predictive value of cardiac auscultation compared with echocardiography is poor, regardless of the expertise of the auscultator.
Research
Acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease: Incidence and progression in the Northern Territory of Australia 1997 to 2010The reduction in ARF recurrence indicates that the RHD control program has improved secondary prophylaxis; a decline in RHD incidence is expected to follow.
Research
Position statement of the World Heart Federation on the prevention and control of rheumatic heart diseaseIn the 21st century, rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) are neglected diseases of marginalized communities.
Research
Updated model of group A Streptococcus M proteins based on a comprehensive worldwide studyGroup A Streptococcus (GAS) M protein is an important virulence factor and potential vaccine antigen, and constitutes the basis for strain typing (emm-typing).