The bacteria responsible for strep throat.
A single streptococcus bacterium can lead to what seems to be a curable infection, strep throat; however, countries that have little access to vaccinations are finding this bacterium to be a problem. Rheumatic heart disease derives from antibodies that are produced by the immune system that attack the heart muscle. This strain, in other words, deforms the heart valves; although, not very common in the United States, poorer countries are finding it increasingly difficult to have strep tests readily available leading to deaths around 500,000 a year. Other countries are making the initiative to increase awareness of strep throat, decreasing that likelihood of death from the infection.
— Tiffany Tang
Article Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/22/health/a-start-to-saving-lives-treating-sore-throats.html?ref=health&_r=2&
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