Group G streptococcus induces autoimmune mediated carditis in the Lewis rat model of Rheumatic Heart Disease
Conference Contribution ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
Acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease (ARF/RHD) have long been described as autoimmune sequelae of Streptococcus pyogenes or group A streptococcal (GAS) infection. Both antibody and T cell responses against immunodominant GAS virulence factors including M protein, cross-react with host tissue proteins triggering an inflammatory response leading to permanent heart damage. However, in some ARF/RHD endemic regions, throat carriage of GAS is low. As Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE), also known as β-hemolytic groups C and G streptococci (GCS/GGS) also express M-protein, we postulated that streptococci other than GAS may have the potential to initiate or exacerbate ARF/RHD. Using a model initially developed to investigate the uniquely human disease of ARF/RHD, we have now discovered that Streptococcus dysgalactiae or group G streptococcus (GGS) does indeed cause both myocarditis and valvulitis, hallmarks of ARF/RHD. Remarkably the histological, immunological and functional changes in the hearts of rats exposed to GGS are identical to those exposed to GAS. Furthermore, antibody cross-reactivity to cardiac myosin was comparable in both GGS and GAS exposed animals providing additional evidence that GGS can induce and/or exacerbate ARF/RHD.
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20th Lancefield International Symposium on Streptococci and Streptococcal Diseases 2017
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1
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Fiji
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Lancefield International Society
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Fiji
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