This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. This will be a follow up study to the previously approved study entitled, Epidemiologic and Adhesion Properties of Group A Streptococci in a Region with a High Incidence of Acute Rheumatic Fever (CRC Protocol #2002-04, HPH IRB RP#02-59). In the former study, 955 school children, grades K-12, from 11 public and private schools on Oahu, were screened between April 2003 and October 2003 for pharyngeal carriage of group A streptococcus. Of these 955 students, 32 of them tested positive for group A streptococcus. These students are potential carriers of this bacterium. The streptococcal isolates from these children are emm/M typed. We have identified rather unusual emm/M types from these students similar to the data obtained from patients with pharyngitis or invasive disease. We would like to conduct this follow-up study for several purposes: 1. To repeat throat cultures from these carriers in order to find if they still carry the same type of streptococcus. 2. To obtain sera from these carriers to study. We would like to collect blood (12 ml.) from consenting subjects to study ASO titers, anti-streptococcal M protein and anti-human cardiac myosin antibodies. The last two antibodies will be studied at the University of Oklahoma by a study collaborator who has extensive research on the pathogenesis of acute rheumatic fever (Madeleine Cunningham, PhD). 3. To include a control group of 80 patients with acute pharyngitis to compare antibody responses. We estimate screening 80 patients in order to obtain at least 35 patients who have a positive throat culture for group A streptococcus. Specific antibody responses are probably the only known methodology that can accurately differentiate the carrier stage from acute pharyngitis patients. Therefore, these studies are necessary to perform further analysis of the carriers. CRC infrastructure support, including ancillary funds, use of the clinical facility, and research personnel support, are requested in order to conduct this study.
Showing the most recent 10 out of 245 publications
