Antibody titer to group A streptococcal polysaccharide in rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.

Antibody to group A streptococcal polysaccharide (ASP) is the only antibody of cellular components which is now detectable in clinical practice. Streptococcal polysaccharide is known to have cross-immunity with the glycoprotein of human heart tissue, and has been discussed as a pathogenesis of rheumatic carditis and valvular heart disease. In this study, ASP titer was determined by passive hemagglutination technique in patients with rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. ASP titer showed higher levels in these patients compared to control children, but there was no specificity in rheumatic carditis or rheumatic heart disease.