Rheumatic fever is the most serious complication of streptococcal infection, but rheumatic fever is not itself an infection. Rheumatic fever occurs only when, in defending against streptococcal infection, the body's immunological system produces antibodies that also attack the cells of the heart and kidneys.

Which of the following, if true, would contribute most to an explanation of why only streptococcal bacteria give rise to rheumatic fever?

Correct answer marked below

Only certain strains of streptococcal bacteria are associated with rheumatic fever.

The antibodies that the body produces to control a streptococcal infection can attack cells of the mucous membranes

Antibiotics have not proved as effective against streptococcal infections as they have against some other bacterial infections.

Streptococcal bacteria are the only bacteria that are structurally similar to the cells of the body attacked in the rheumatic fever.

Correct

Rheumatic fever can be misdiagnosed if it is not preceded by a serious streptococcal infection.

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What this question tests

Whether you can identify the option that most bolsters an argument's conclusion.

Choosing an option that is consistent with the argument but adds no new support, or that shifts the topic.