Risk Factors for Acute Rheumatic Fever: Literature Review and Protocol for a Case-Control Study in New Zealand

Michael G Baker, Jason Gurney, Jane Oliver, Nicole J Moreland, Deborah A Williamson, Nevil Pierse, Nigel Wilson, Tony R Merriman, Teuila Percival, Colleen Murray, Catherine Jackson, Richard Edwards, Lyndie Foster Page, Florina Chan Mow, Angela Chong, Barry Gribben and Diana Lennon
Additional contact information
Michael G Baker: Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
Jason Gurney: Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
Jane Oliver: Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
Nicole J Moreland: School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Deborah A Williamson: Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Melbourne at The Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne 3010, Australia
Nevil Pierse: Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
Nigel Wilson: Green Lane Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Services, Starship Children’s Hospital, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland 1023; New Zealand
Tony R Merriman: Biochemistry Department, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
Teuila Percival: School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
Colleen Murray: Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
Catherine Jackson: Auckland Regional Public Health Service, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland 0622, New Zealand
Richard Edwards: Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
Lyndie Foster Page: Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
Florina Chan Mow: KidzFirst Children’s Hospital, Auckland 1640, New Zealand
Angela Chong: CBG Health Research Ltd, Auckland 0651, New Zealand
Barry Gribben: CBG Health Research Ltd, Auckland 0651, New Zealand
Diana Lennon: Department of Paediatrics, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 22, 1-39

Abstract: Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and its sequela, rheumatic heart disease (RHD), have largely disappeared from high-income countries. However, in New Zealand (NZ), rates remain unacceptably high in indigenous M?ori and Pacific populations. The goal of this study is to identify potentially modifiable risk factors for ARF to support effective disease prevention policies and programmes. A case-control design is used. Cases are those meeting the standard NZ case-definition for ARF, recruited within four weeks of hospitalisation for a first episode of ARF, aged less than 20 years, and residing in the North Island of NZ. This study aims to recruit at least 120 cases and 360 controls matched by age, ethnicity, gender, deprivation, district, and time period. For data collection, a comprehensive pre-tested questionnaire focussed on exposures during the four weeks prior to illness or interview will be used. Linked data include previous hospitalisations, dental records, and school characteristics. Specimen collection includes a throat swab (Group A Streptococcus), a nasal swab (Staphylococcus aureus), blood (vitamin D, ferritin, DNA for genetic testing, immune-profiling), and head hair (nicotine). A major strength of this study is its comprehensive focus covering organism, host and environmental factors. Having closely matched controls enables the examination of a wide range of specific environmental risk factors.

Keywords: acute rheumatic fever; rheumatic heart disease; case-control; risk factors; group A streptococcus; housing; crowding; environmental tobacco smoke; health care access; sore throat; skin infection (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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