Since the dawn of time, bacteria have made their presence known on the earth on a unimaginable scale. Such a profileration of microbes, has put the human race as we know it, at risk to an assortment array of diseases. Taylor estimates about “one half of all human diseases are caused by pathogenic bacteria that invade the body and destroy the immune system defenses to ward off harmful microorganisms” (1). Over the years, rheumatic fever, a disease which chiefly strikes children and young adults has been kept in check through the use of antibiotics. The causative agent for this disease is found in the Class: Schizomycetes, Order: Eubacteria, Genus: Streptococcus, Species: Streptococcus pyogenes. we will briefly examine the bacterial morphology, disease and medical break throughs in combating this illness. With this in mind, let us examine the morphology of this particular strain of bacteria.
In general, Streptococci are characterized as gram positive, nonmotile, facultative anaerobes which measure 0.5-1.0 micrometers in diameter.
The Pediatric Infectious Disease J.
Bacterial Diseases of the Cardiovascular and
The discovery of penicillin by Dr. Alexander Fleming in 1928 ushered in the antibiotic era (4). This has made it possible to practically eradicate the disease over night in the United States. Before the drug can administered to the individual a throat culture is taken if the infection is suspected. Special serological blood tests can be performed to ensure an accurate diagnosis. A cardiologist will usually run an echocardiogram t determine if any aortic valve damage or irregular heart function is present in the individual. The primary drug of choice to prevent rheumatic fever is Penicillin V, which is also used for secondary prevention. It can be administered to children as well as adults in doses of 250mg three times a day for primary prevention. For those individuals who have an allergic reaction to Penicillin, Erythromycin is recommended. Sulfadiazine is effective also but does not eradicate Group A streptococci from the upper respiratory tract.
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