1. proof of a recent group A strep infection and: 2 major or 1 major 2 minor
2. majors: JONES; J(polyarthritis-75% of pts), O (heart shaped, CHF, new murmurs, cardiomegaly), N (nodules, subcutaneous, firm and painless over extensor surfaces of wrists, elbows, knees), E (ertyema marginatum), S (sydenham chorea, rapid purposeless movements of the face and UE); minor: arthralgia, fever, elevate acute phase reactant, prolonged PR interval
3. ASO titers or streptozyme