Prevention of Rheumatic Fever and Bacterial Endocarditis Through Control of Streptococcal Infections

Abstract

This article is the second revision of the American Heart Association statement on the prevention of rheumatic fever issued January 1953. This statement was prepared by the Committee on Prevention of Rheumatic Fever and Bacterial Endocarditis appointed by the Council on Rheumatic Fever and Congenital Heart Disease of the American Heart Association. The committee is cognizant of the fact that no recommendations of any group can be final at this time. The present approach may not be the eventual solution of the problem of preventing rheumatic fever. Revisions and changes will be made as new knowledge may indicate.