Streptococcal Disease and Rheumatic Fever in Air Force Recruits

Abstract

Recent investigations into the etiology and pathogenesis of acute rheumatic fever¹have solidified the concept of a close relationship with streptococcal disease previously emphasized by numerous studies,^2-8many involving military populations. A unique opportunity to study streptococcal disease and acute rheumatic fever in epidemic proportions presented itself at a large northern California Air Force basic training center in the first half of 1955, when 58 cases of acute rheumatic fever were observed. Epidemiologic investigations were pursued and detailed observations made of the clinical and laboratory features of acute rheumatic fever in epidemic form. Clinical impressions were also derived relating to the efficacy of salicylate and steroid therapy in young adult males, although a rigorously controlled study was not undertaken. Background Parks Air Force Base is a large U. S. A. F. installation located in the Amador Valley in a normally warm agricultural area about 15 miles east of