Streptococcus anginosus Throat colonization in Healthy School going children

Background: Streptococcus anginosus was most commonly considered as commensals and closely related to Streptococcus pyogenes. Recovery of this bacteria from the throats has been reported to exceed that of S. pyogenes in regions where streptococcal disease is endemic. Infection with these bacteria may cause acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and its sequelae rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in susceptible individual. Molecular mimicry and autoimmunity...