How do you get kidney and heart damage from Streptococcal sore throat

Question

I need details please. I know the basics. Im having trouble finding the exact pathogenesis.

I was thinking it might be to do with type 3 hypersensitivity, maybe?

details details details pretty please.

Answer 1

During an infection with Grp B Strep, some of the bacterial antigens enter the blood stream where they induce the production of antibodies that cross-react with cardiac myosin.  These Abs then attack the heart muscle causing damage.  This is an example of type II (cytolytic)hypersensitivity.

Other Streptococci, such as the viridans group, also can cause heart disease, but they actually colonize the heart tissue.

Answer 2

It's a great question, and they're both immune-mediated.  I had to look this one up because I simply can't recall the different Hypersensitivity type, my apologies, but it's certainly an immune-mediated phenomenon.

The reference I'll cite below describes that the nature of the antigen-antibody reaction is not well-defined with respect to acute post strep glomerulonephritis, but it's at the level of the basement membrane of the glomerulus.

I don't know the exact nature of the mechanism underlying cardiac pathology, but I imagine it's similar.

My apologies, it's just been a long time since I've dealt with this stuff and I can't offer a more rigorous answer.  Please see citation below for additional info.

Answer 3

Any bacteria such as streptococcas can get into your bloodstream causing septicemia which in turn can damage your organs.