Genetic Basis for Rheumatic Heart Disease in High Risk Families in Western Samoa

Authors

Eleni Tukuafu, Brigham Young University
John S.K. Kauwe, Brigham Young University

Keywords

genetic basis, rheumatic heart disease, high risk families, Western Samoa

College

Life Sciences

Department

Biology

Abstract

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is the most common form of acquired cardiovascular disease among children worldwide and results in 233,000 deaths annually. Although genetic and environmental factors are known to contribute to RHD, not much is known about genes that increase susceptibility. RHD results from untreated rheumatic fever (RF). RF develops when a Streptococcus pyogenes infection, such as streptococcal pharyngitis, goes untreated. About 34% of children with an untreated Streptococcus pyogenes infection develop rheumatic fever. Only 1/3 of those children acquire RHD¹. This suggests that there is a genetic basis for why some children are prone to the development of RF/RHD, while others are not. Understanding the genetic architecture of RHD will allow for better prevention and awareness of this disease.

Recommended Citation

Tukuafu, Eleni and Kauwe, John S.K. (2015) "Genetic Basis for Rheumatic Heart Disease in High Risk Families in Western Samoa," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2015: Iss. 1, Article 128.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2015/iss1/128