Structured review of primary interventions to reduce group A streptococcal infections, acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a large, preventable, global public health burden. In New Zealand (NZ), acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and RHD rates are highest for Māori and Pacific children. This structured review explores the evidence for primary prevention interventions to diagnose and effectively treat group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis and skin infections to reduce rates of ARF and RHD.

Citation:
Bennett J, Rentta N, Leung W, Anderson A, Oliver J, Wyber R, et al. Structured review of primary interventions to reduce group A streptococcal infections, acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. J Paediatr Child Health. 2021.

Keywords:
GAS; group A Streptococcus; primary prevention; rheumatic fever; rheumatic heart disease

Abstract:
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a large, preventable, global public health burden. In New Zealand (NZ), acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and RHD rates are highest for Māori and Pacific children. This structured review explores the evidence for primary prevention interventions to diagnose and effectively treat group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis and skin infections to reduce rates of ARF and RHD.