Abstract
Summary
The majority of rabbits subjected to single intrapharyngeal infections with group A streptococci developed cardiac lesions characterized by muscle necrosis, cellular infiltration with mononuclear cells and Anitschkow myocytes and disruption of collagen. After multiple infections, fibrosis occurred and giant cells were also observed. Bacteria could not be demonstrated in any lesion. In 3 control groups, comparable lesions were absent in the hearts of all but one rabbit. The appearance of myocardial lesions within 24 hours of induction of pharyngeal infection suggests that a non-immunologic mechanism is involved.
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