title: Focal infection in perspective.
abstract: In this article some of the theoretical possibilities arising as a result of focal infection are discussed. Rheumatic fever is discussed as an example of a disease in which a number of possible mechanisms may act to produce tissue damage at a target area. The mechanisms examined are direct dissemination of organisms from the focus to the target area, the induction of L-phase bacteria, and toxic damage to target tissue. Host-mediated tissue damage by hypersensitivity or auto-immune mechanisms is considered as well.
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000276:immunology; D005491:Focal Infection, Dental / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans