Prevention and Treatment of Rheumatic Valvulitis

Abstract

Accumulated data indicate that rheumatic fever is initiated by respiratory infections caused by group A streptococci, and that these organisms also participate in the evolution of valvulitis subsequent to the rheumatic attack. Thus, a therapeutic agent should be chosen which will eradicate these organisms from the oropharynx. The authors emphasize that penicillin provides a bactericidal action against streptococci, while action of the sulfonamides is only bacteriostatic. They also point out that results of adrenocortical therapy are difficult to evaluate.