Serum Immune Responses to Group A Streptococcal Antigens following Pharyngeal Acquisitions among Children in Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract

There is currently limited information regarding the human immune response to group A streptococcal throat infection. An understanding of the kinetics and specificity of antibody responses against a panel of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) antigens will serve to refine diagnostic approaches and contribute to vaccine efforts, which together will serve to reduce the burden of rheumatic heart disease, a major source of morbidity and mortality especially in the developing world.