Prevention of streptococcal neurosis.

Despite the decrease in the incidence and severity of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in the United States, overzealous emphasis on proper diagnosis and treatment of group A streptococcal pharyngitis in order to prevent these illnesses may often result in a frustrating, anxiety-provoking condition known as "streptococcal neurosis." Physicians, parents, and patients may all suffer from this condition, which often occurs even after all possible and appropriate treatment has been used to eradicate the group A streptococci. "Streptococcal neurosis" and the perplexing problem of treatment failure can be avoided or alleviated by utilizing knowledge of the interrelationship of the human host, the group A streptococcus, and nonsuppurative sequelae.