Effect on body systems

Effect on the body systems:
Immune
Sydenham’s Chorea is caused by an immune infection called Acute Rheumatic Fever, this inflammatory disease causes an auto immune response reaction to the bacterium that is interfering with the normal function of the basal ganglia in the brain. The basal ganglia are in charge are fine motor movements and control. The Immune systems acts as the doorway into the body. Acute Rheumatic Fever develops subsequent to throat infection with certain strains of streptococcal bacteria. It affects multiple tissues and organs, including the joints, skin, and connective tissues directly beneath the skin (subcutaneous tissues), heart, and brain.

Nervous
Sydenham's Chorea is an infectious disease of the central nervous system. The disorder is an anti-neuronal antibody-mediated neuro-psychiatric disorder caused by a post streptococcal, autoimmune condition affecting control of movement, mood, behavior and potentially the heart. The random, writhing movements of chorea are caused by an interference with the basal ganglia that controls motor movements in the brain. Essentially what the disease does is it completely take over the nervous system by route of the immune system. After the virus has penetrated the body systems and the basal ganglia can no longer function normally, the messages to the brain and the neuro-receptors begin to "breakdown". In other words the person will experience loss control over the their movements, and even emotions.

Circulatory

Rheumatic fever is currently the major cause of acquired heart disease in children. Up to 60% of people are diagnosed with Sydenham’s Chorea will later develop rheumatic heart disease. Hence, when Sydenham’s Chorea is diagnosed, treatment strategies must include the prevention of rheumatic heart disease. Inflammation of the heart, or carditis, is another symptom of rheumatic fever. Symptoms include heart murmur, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, fluttering heartbeat and chest pain. If left untreated, rheumatic fever may result in permanent damage to the heart.