Hospital Based Incidence of Group A Streptococcal Disease in Fiji

The purpose of this ongoing study (Part II) is to estimate the incidence of acute rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease, acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (kidney disease), and invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) disease (strep infection) in Fiji to help develop better treatments and vaccines. Group A streptococcal disease is caused by the bacterium group A streptococcus. It is commonly found in the nose and throat of normal healthy adults and children, and can cause illness. The bacterium is spread by close contact with patients or carriers, through things like coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing a drink and can cause a wide variety of illnesses. These illnesses may be a sore throat, skin sores, and less commonly acute rheumatic fever or kidney disease. Participants of all ages will be recruited through the Colonial War Memorial and Lautoka Hospital. A blood sample will be collected from each study participant. Subject participation should be less than one day.