title: Focal infection revisited.
abstract: This paper reviews the theory of focal infection that was widely held to explain the aetiology of inflammatory joint disease in the first three decades of this century. The theoretical basis for these beliefs and the practical consequences for physician and patient alike are examined, as are the results of such radical treatments as were applied.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, St Peter's Hospital Trust, Chertsey, Surrey.
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Hughes
mesh_terms: D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000266:history* / Q000628:therapy; D005060:Europe; D005490:Focal Infection / Q000266:history* / Q000628:therapy; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D012106:Research / Q000266:history; D012219:Rheumatology / Q000266:history* / Q000379:methods; D014481:United States