[The diagnostic significance of the surface B-cell marker carrier state in arthritis and other manifestations of rheumatic fever].

To assess the diagnostic importance of B-cellular marker demonstration with the aid of D8/17 monoclonal antibodies in arthritis and other manifestations of rheumatic fever, 175 persons were examined. Of these, 117 patients presented with rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. The marker was identified in 88.9% of the patients and in 10% of the healthy subjects entering the control group. The rate of the marker demonstration did not depend on the clinical manifestations of rheumatic fever (arthritis, carditis, chorea), the disease phase, the disease standing or the intensity of heart damage. It is concluded that marker demonstration in rheumatic fever is of paramount diagnostic value, particularly in little manifest processes.