Rheumatic Fever Panel Test
Rheumatic Fever Panel Test
For children left untreated for group A Streptococcus bacterial infection, which causes diseases like scarlet fever and strep throat, there is a chance of developing a disease called rheumatic fever. Though rare, this autoimmune disease, can cause the immune system to attack healthy cells of the body, affecting different organs like the heart. It can also affect the joints of the child and the blood vessels. Noticing the symptoms of streptococcal infection and having it treated immediately with antibiotics can prevent this condition. This disease is more common in places with limited medical access. The rheumatic fever panel helps in detecting this condition, though additional imaging studies are also recommended to confirm the diagnosis.
What is the Rheumatic Fever Panel Test Used For?
Rheumatic Fever Panel test is recommended for children (5- 17 years) who have a possibility of untreated streptococcal infection (Group A), or have symptoms. This test is for diagnosing rheumatic fever.
Symptoms of Rheumatic Fever
Some of the major symptoms of rheumatic fever are
Red rashes with irregular edges
Swollen Joints
Discomfort or pain in Chest Area
Aching Muscles
Bumps under the skin
Unexplained movements resembling seizures
Fever
Swollen Tonsils
Fatigue
Joint pain
Which Tests are Included in Rheumatic Fever Panel Test?
The rheumatic fever panel has the following tests
Throat Swab Culture for Group A Streptococcus
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This would test the presence of the genetic material of the bacteria to detect active or recent infection by these bacteria.
Blood Test for assessing inflammation
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Levels of C-Reactive Protein (released by the liver) and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (the rate at which red blood cells would settle at the bottom of the tube) are elevated in case of inflammation.
Antibody Titer Tests
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This checks the level of antibodies present in the blood, produced in response to chemicals specific to the bacteria, called antigens, that trigger an immune response. These antibodies are specific to these bacterial antigens. Some of these antibodies are ASO (antibody against streptococcal lysin O), ADB (anti-streptococcal DNAse B), and AH (Antistreptococcal hyaluronidase). These antibodies would be present even after the infection has subsided.
Preparation for Test
Before the test, let your general physician know of any medication, supplements or treatments that you are consuming or undergoing. No special preparations are necessary. Please ensure that before the throat swab sample is taken, no antiseptic mouthwashes are used.
Interpretation of Test Results
Negative test: Negative Results of the Throat Swab culture would indicate absence of the genetic material of the bacteria, which may mean that there was either no bacterial infection or there was a past infection that is not detectable using this test.
Normal Range values for C-reactive protein and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate would mean there is a lower chance of inflammation.
For Antibody titer tests, the reference ranges (normal) are given below:
ASO:
Infants less than 5 years of age: Levels of ASO less than or equal to 70 IU/mL
Children or teenagers aged 5-17 years: Levels of ASO less than or equal to 640 IU/mL
Adults aged 18 years or more: Levels of ASO less than or equal to 530 IU/mL
ADB
Infants less than 5 years of age: Levels of ADB less than or equal to 250 IU/mL
Children or teenagers aged 5-17 years: Levels of ADB less than or equal to 375 IU/mL
Adults aged 18 years or more: Levels of ADB less than or equal to 300 IU/mL
Positive test: Presence of genetic material of the bacteria, may mean that there has been a recent group A streptococcal infection.
Elevated levels of C-reactive protein and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate would mean there is a higher chance of inflammation, which may be due to the immune response or other reasons.
For Antibody Titer tests, if the levels of the antibodies are outside of the reference values, it would mean there is a possibility of having rheumatic fever.
FAQs
How is the sample collected for the Rheumatic Fever Panel test?
A blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm, for testing the antibodies against group A Streptococcus, and other biomarkers present in the blood that may indicate inflammation or the possibility of rheumatic fever due to untreated past infection.
A throat swab sample is collected, where a swab would be rotated around your tonsils and any other visibly inflamed area while ensuring the swab does not come in contact with your teeth, gums and tongue. This sample would help in assessing if there is any active group A Streptococcus infection.
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for Rheumatic Fever Panel test?
The tests results should come within 1-3 days after the sample is taken. This time would depend on the diagnostic laboratory that has taken the sample for analysis.
Who is more likely to be affected with rheumatic fever?
Children and teenagers within the age group of 5-15 are most likely to get affected with rheumatic fever. People with weaker immune systems due to other health conditions and a family history of rheumatic fever are also at risk.
How is rheumatic fever treated?
Rheumatic fever is treated using a combination of antibiotics, medicines that reduce inflammation, and other treatment options depending on symptoms like heart conditions like heart valve damage. Although damages to the heart is rare, in such a case, heart surgery is advised. Antibiotics like penicillin would be continued for long periods of time to ensure that rheumatic fever cases do not recur. In case of seizures, anti-seizure medications would also be prescribed.
Does this condition develop for every untreated case of group A Streptococcus infection?
Developing rheumatic fever is rare, but it may develop if group A Streptococcus infection is left untreated for 2-3 weeks. Since the consequences of this disease are serious, it is better to contact your physician right away if there are any symptoms of streptococcal infection, as rheumatic fever can be prevented if infection is detected and treated early.
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