A person with an untreated streptococcal infection can develop rheumatic heart disease, which may ultimately damage the heart.True / False
Health · High School · Mon Jan 18 2021
Answered on
True.
A person with an untreated streptococcal infection, specifically an infection caused by the bacteria group A Streptococcus, which is responsible for conditions like strep throat or scarlet fever, can indeed develop rheumatic heart disease (RHD) if the infection is not properly treated. RHD is a serious complication that affects the heart. The body's immune response to the bacterial infection can cause inflammation in the heart, leading to damage in the heart valves. This can result in long-term heart complications, including heart failure.