True about acute rheumatic fever –
**Core Concept**
Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is a post-infectious autoimmune complication of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) pharyngitis. The pathogenesis involves molecular mimicry between bacterial antigens and host tissues, leading to an immune response that damages the heart.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The Jones criteria are used to diagnose ARF, which include major and minor criteria. The major criteria include carditis, polyarthritis, chorea, erythema marginatum, and subcutaneous nodules. The minor criteria include fever, arthralgia, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP). The presence of two major criteria or one major and two minor criteria, along with evidence of a recent GABHS infection, is required for a diagnosis of ARF. The immune response in ARF is mediated by T-cells and macrophages, which recognize the bacterial antigens and cross-react with host tissues.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not specify the correct criteria for diagnosing ARF.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because it does not mention the role of molecular mimicry in the pathogenesis of ARF.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because it does not provide a comprehensive list of the Jones criteria.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The Jones criteria are essential for diagnosing ARF, and clinicians should be aware of the major and minor criteria to make an accurate diagnosis. Additionally, a recent GABHS infection is a crucial component of the diagnosis, and clinicians should investigate for this in patients presenting with ARF.
**Correct Answer: B. Molecular mimicry between bacterial antigens and host tissues leads to the pathogenesis of acute rheumatic fever.**