Rheumatic fever risk factors

Overview
Overcrowding, poor sanitation, low socio-economic conditions and family history are the common risk factors for acquiring rheumatic fever.

Risk Factors
Factors that may increase the risk for acquiring rheumatic fever include:


 * Environmental factors :
 * Dampness at home
 * Overcrowding
 * Poor sanitation
 * Low socio-economic status
 * Travelling to endemic regions such as developing countries
 * Usually occurs among children between 5-15years of age


 * Family history - positive family history of rheumatic fever increases the risk as autosomal recessive gene pattern of inheritance has been observed in several studies.


 * Strain of streptococcus - There are certain strains of group A streptococcus such as emm type 12 which are known to cause rheumatic fever.