Diseases that have diminished and subsequently made a slight comeback:

- Rheumatic heart disease (caused by Rheumatic Fever - RF) and Scarlet Fever ( SF ):

Most people believe that their decline was the result of antibiotics, which is in part true. Moreover, RF as well as scarlet fever began declining even before the advent of Penicillin.

Some believe this is due to a less virulent Streptococcus.

In recent years there has been periodic upswings in the appearance of rheumatic heart disease. This resurgence has been isolated to certain geographic areas. It tended to occur in different socioeconomic groups. In the past it was seen in poorer and more crowded areas whereas now rheumatic heart disease is being found in the more affluent community.

Category: Pathology Notes