Although the responsible pathogenic mechanism(s) still remain in- completely defined, methods for optimal prevention and manage- ment have changed during the past fifteen years (5–8). To make this information available to physicians and public health authorities, WHO convened this expert consultation to both update and to ex- pand the 1988 document. RF and RHD remain to be conquered, but until that can be accomplished, optimal methods of prevention and management are required. The recommendations in this document are based upon current medical literature. Every attempt has been made to make this a practically useful document and at the same time to furnish appropriate references with additional information for the practitioner
