Group G Streptococcus has the potential to cause Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease
Conference Contribution ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
Rheumatic Fever (RF) and Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) are caused by autoimmune responses triggered by Group A Streptococcus (GAS). Both T lymphocytes and antibodies generated against GAS are known to cross-react with the host tissue proteins. M proteins of GAS share structural homology with human cardiac proteins. Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE; Group G Streptococcus, GGS) possess many of the same GAS characteristics. GGS is known to possess virulence factors similar to those of GAS, however the role of GGS in RF/RHD has not been studied. In this study, the rheumatogenic potential of GGS in the development of RHD was investigated using a rat autoimmune valvulitis (RAV) model. Lewis rats were immunised with either whole killed GAS or GGS or M proteins derived from GAS or GGS. Rats immunised with GAS and GGS showed cross-reactive antibody and T cell responses to cardiac myosin and collagen I. Histology of heart tissues revealed multiple foci of inflammation within mitral valves and myocardium with fibrosis throughout the valves and myocardium. Significantly prolonged P-R intervals were demonstrated in electrocardiographic examination of hearts of both GAS and GGS immunised rats. These results highlight the possibility of SDSE/GGS triggering and/or potentiating the development of RF/RHD.
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45th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australasian Society for Immunology
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1
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Canberra, ACT, Australia
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Australasian Society for Immunology
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Canberra, ACT, Australia
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