Assessment
While assessing the patient with rheumatic fever, a detailed history including, problematic environmental factors or recent exposure to streptococcal infection is important. The clinical assessment is done by the Jones major and minor criteria (revised) as shown in table below: These are largely based on clinical findings and are essentially objective.
Supporting Evidence of Streptococcal Infection
Increased titre of anti streptococcal antibodies ASD (Antistreptolysin) Positive throat culture for B group streptococcus.
The presence of two major or one major and two minor manifestations is requisite essential criteria for diagnosis of Rheumatic fever.