A 35-year-old patient has a history of rheumatic fever in childhood. Which of the following statements about rheumatic fever is most accurate?

Rheumatic fever is a systemic inflammatory disease that develops as a complication of untreated or inadequately treated Group A Streptococcal (Streptococcus pyogenes) pharyngitis (strep throat). Molecular mimicry between streptococcal antigens and host cardiac tissue triggers an autoimmune response. It primarily affects the heart (carditis, valvular disease — particularly mitral stenosis), joints (migratory polyarthritis), skin (erythema marginatum, subcutaneous nodules), and central nervous system (Sydenham's chorea). It is NOT caused by Staphylococcus, does NOT primarily affect kidneys, and is NOT a dental infection.