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Rheumatic heart disease in The Gambia: clinical and valvular aspects at presentation and evolution under penicillin prophylaxis

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains the leading cause of cardiac-related deaths and disability in children and young adults worldwide. In The Gambia, the RHD burden is thought to be high although no data are available and no control programme is yet implemented. We conducted a pilot study to generate baseline data on the clinical and valvular characteristics of RHD patients at first presentation, adherence to penicillin prophylaxis and the evolution of lesions over time.

Comparison of group A streptococcal titres in healthy children and those with pharyngitis and skin infections

Rates of acute rheumatic fever, a sequelae of group A Streptococcal (GAS) infection, remain unacceptably high in Indigenous Māori and Pacific children in New Zealand. This prospective study aimed to describe GAS antibody titres in healthy children (5–14 years) by ethnicity, and to determine how paired titres vary with GAS culture positive and negative pharyngitis, and GAS skin infections.

Factors associated with pneumococcal carriage in children and adults in Fiji, using four cross-sectional surveys

This study describes predictors of pneumococcal nasopharyngeal carriage and density in Fiji. We used data from four annual cross-sectional surveys, pre- and post-introduction of ten-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in October 2012.

A Systematic Framework for Prioritizing Burden of Disease Data Required for Vaccine Development and Implementation: The Case for Group A Streptococcal Diseases

Vaccine development and implementation decisions need to be guided by accurate and robust burden of disease data. We developed an innovative systematic framework outlining the properties of such data that are needed to advance vaccine development and evaluation, and prioritize research and surveillance activities.

Risk factors for group A streptococcal pharyngitis and skin infections: A case control study

Group A streptococcal (GAS) infections can trigger an immune-mediated response resulting in acute rheumatic fever. The role of social and environmental risk factors for GAS pharyngitis and skin infections are not well understood.

The global burden of sore throat and group A Streptococcus pharyngitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Contemporary data for the global burden of sore throat and group A Streptococcus (Strep A) pharyngitis are required to understand the frequency of disease and develop value propositions for Strep A vaccines.

Comparison of approaches to rheumatic fever surveillance across Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries.

Rheumatic fever (RF) prevention, control and surveillance are increasingly important priorities in New Zealand (NZ) and Australia.

Sore throat: Is it such a big deal anymore?

This review article addresses the driving factors associated with diagnosis and treatment of sore throats caused by Group A streptococcus.

Status of research and development of vaccines for Streptococcus pyogenes

Vaccines against Streptococcus pyogenes are considered as impeded vaccines because of a number of crucial barriers to development

Transiently increased IgE responses in infants and pre-schoolers receiving only (DTaP) vaccines compared to those initially receiving at least one dose of DTwP vaccine

Confirm the generalised IgE-trophic activity of the DTaP vaccine in pre-schoolers and demonstrate similar (albeit transient) effects in infants