Rheumatic fever-An illness that arises as a complication of an untreated or inadequately treated streptococcal infection of the throat.
Streptococcal (strep) infections are communicable diseases that develop when bacteria of the family Streptococcus invade parts of the body and contaminate blood or tissue.
Numerous strains of streptococcal bacteria have been identified.
Group A strep (GAS) is the form of streptococcal bacteria most apt to be associated with serious illness.
Streptococcal infection occurs when bacteria contaminate cuts or open sores or otherwise penetrate the body's natural defenses.