Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CIC Practice Questions and Study Guide

The likelihood of Streptococcus (beta-hemolytic group A) being responsible for both a throat infection and subsequent rheumatic fever stems from the well-documented association between this specific strain of bacteria and these health issues. Group A Streptococcus, commonly known as Streptococcus pyogenes, is known to cause pharyngitis, which is the medical term for throat infections, particularly in children.

The link to rheumatic fever is significant; rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can develop as a complication of untreated or inadequately treated streptococcal throat infections. The body's immune response to the bacteria can result in inflammation of the heart, joints, skin, and brain. In particular, the presence of specific antibodies against the streptococcal antigens can lead to cross-reactivity with human tissues, resulting in the symptoms of rheumatic fever.

Other organisms listed in the options are not typically associated with the development of rheumatic fever from throat infections. For example, Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) primarily cause different types of infections, predominantly skin and soft tissue infections. While group B Streptococcus can cause infections, it is not commonly linked to throat