Groundbreaking research into fighting rheumatic fever

Researchers have found skin infections are a significant cause of the disease.

Otago University, Wellington, public health professor Michael Baker says they've known for decades "strep throat" is a key initiator.

But research indicates streptococcus skin infection can also trigger the disease.

Baker says he doesn't use the term breakthrough lightly, but this opens up a whole line of attack on rheumatic disease - which may be the most useful.