Causes

The causes and means of infection for this condition are described for acute rheumatic polyarthritis

The main cause for this disease is the beta-haemolytic Streptococcus of group A, which is found in common infectious sites such as the mouth; in dental granulomas, dental abscesses, paradontosis, and other infections such as chronic tonsillitis.

The streptococcal theory is based on:

1. Bacteriological data. Beta-haemolytic Streptococcus was isolated from extracting material from sites of infection.

2. Immunological data. Streptococcus bears extracellular and intracellular antigens. Extracellular antigens include streptolysin, which is a protein that increases in levels during rheumatism, streptokinase which is a phosphorylating enzyme, streptodornase, hyaluronidase, which is another enzyme found in elevated levels in patients suffering from rheumatism. Intracellular antigens include: polysaccharides, protein M.

3. Epidemiological data. It has been noticed that an increase in patients suffering from chronic tonsillitis is correlated with an increase in patients suffering from acute articular rheumatism.

4. Therapeutic data. Using antibiotics to treat streptococcal angina or using antibiotics with slow release into the bloodstream leads to a decrease of cases of rheumatism.