MBL2 gene polymorphism rs1800450 and rheumatic fever with and without rheumatic heart disease: an Egyptian pilot study.

Background: Rheumatic fever (RF) is the result of an autoimmune response to pharyngitis caused by infection with Streptococcus pyogenes. RF is most prevalent in Africa and the Middle East. Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is the most serious complication of RF.