About acute rheumatic fever

ARF and its complication, Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD), is a major health problem for Indigenous Australians and New Zealand Māori and Pacific peoples.

Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is an autoimmune disease triggered by the Streptococcus pyogenes bacterium.

Also known as Strep A, this bug can cause infection in various parts of the body, including the throat (strep throat), brain, joints, skin, subcutaneous tissues and the heart.

Causal Pathway for Strep A, ARF and RHD

Above: the causal pathway from Strep A infection to ARF to RHD

If a Strep A infection is not treated with antibiotics, some young people will go on to develop acute rheumatic fever (ARF) some weeks later. ARF causes sore joints, high fevers, and inflammation of the heart. While the other symptoms of acute rheumatic fever pass after time, the heart damage remains. Repeated damage from ARF can lead to permanent heart damage, known as rheumatic heart disease (RHD).

ARF and RHD are major health problems for Indigenous Australians and New Zealand Māori and Pacific peoples. There is no diagnostic laboratory test for ARF, so diagnosis is currently based on associated symptoms and signs. A test for ARF, and targeted treatments that reduce development of RHD, would be beneficial for affected populations globally.

Lived experience stories

Margaret and Liana

Liana’s story begins nine years ago. It starts with a sore ankle, a fever, a trip to the emergency room and clinic and finally a diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever (ARF).

Noeletta McKenzie

Noeletta McKenzie is a Champion for Change, RHDAustralia, and community representative and advocate for the START study.