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Research
Rheumatic Heart Disease in Pregnancy: New Strategies for an Old Disease?RHD in pregnancy (RHD-P) is associated with an increased burden of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. A sequellae of rheumatic fever resulting in heart valve damage if untreated, RHD is twice as common in women. In providing an historical overview, this commentary provides context for prevention and treatment in the 21 st century. Four underlying themes inform much of the literature on RHD-P: its association with inequities; often-complex care requirements; demands for integrated care models, and a life-course approach.
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Environmental and social determinants of acute rheumatic fever: a longitudinal cohort studyPrevention strategies in ARF endemic settings may be enhanced by targeting new members entering a community and children in environments of close contact
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Dysregulated IL-1β-GM-CSF Axis in Acute Rheumatic Fever That Is Limited by HydroxychloroquineWe propose that hydroxychloroquine could be repurposed to reduce the risk of rheumatic heart disease after acute rheumatic fever
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Understanding group A streptococcal pharyngitis and skin infections as causes of rheumatic fever: Protocol for a prospective disease incidence studyThis study will identify the incidence of true Group A Streptococcal pharyngitis and serological responses to Group A Streptococcal GAS skin infections
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Atlas of group A streptococcal vaccine candidates compiled using large-scale comparative genomicsWe identified the existence of more than 290 clinically associated genomic phylogroups across 22 countries, highlighting challenges in designing vaccines of global utility
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A Comparison of Pneumococcal Nasopharyngeal Carriage in Very Young Fijian Infants Born by Vaginal or Cesarean DeliveryPneumococcal nasopharyngeal carriage prevalence and density were higher in infants delivered vaginally compared with those delivered by cesarean birth
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Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim (Cotrimoxazole) for Skin and Soft Tissue Infections Including Impetigo, Cellulitis, and AbscessWe conducted a systematic review of clinical trials and observational studies that address the utility of SXT for SSTI treatment, caused by either GAS or MRSA
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Genome-Wide Analysis of Genetic Risk Factors for Rheumatic Heart Disease in Aboriginal Australians Provides Support for Pathogenic Molecular MimicryRheumatic heart disease (RHD) after group A streptococcus (GAS) infections is heritable and prevalent in Indigenous populations. Molecular mimicry between human and GAS proteins triggers proinflammatory cardiac valve-reactive T cells.
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Prospective cohort study of childhood behaviour problems and adolescent sexual risk-taking: Gender mattersThis study sought to determine relationships, by gender, between childhood behaviour problems and adolescent risky sexual behaviours and substance use.

News & Events
Partnering with communities to reduce rheumatic heart disease in the KimberleyThe Kimberley has the highest rates of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in Western Australia – but through the establishment of a new community-led, research-backed project known as END RHD Communities, there’s hope this will change.