Which condition requires recent history of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection for diagnosis?

Rheumatic fever is a condition that is directly associated with a recent history of infection by group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS), commonly known for causing strep throat. This autoimmune inflammatory response occurs following an unresolved or untreated streptococcal throat infection. The timing of the rheumatic fever's onset typically follows the throat infection by a few weeks, reflecting the importance of this recent streptococcal infection in diagnosing the condition.

The classic diagnostic criteria for rheumatic fever includes evidence of prior streptococcal infection—usually confirmed by either positive throat culture, rapid antigen detection tests, or a rise in antistreptolysin O (ASO) titers. This historical context of GABHS infection is crucial because it helps distinguish rheumatic fever from other conditions, aligning with the Jones criteria for diagnosis.

Other conditions like endocarditis, myocarditis, and ventricular septal defect do not depend on the history of a recent streptococcal infection for diagnosis. Endocarditis is primarily caused by bacterial or fungal infections, myocarditis might result from various etiologies including viral infections, and a ventricular septal defect is a congenital heart defect that does not stem from infectious processes