title: The focal infection theory: appraisal and reappraisal.
abstract: This paper discusses the past, present, and future of the focal infection theory of disease. A focal infection is a localized or general infection caused by the dissemination of microorganisms or toxic products from a focus of infection. The resurgence of the focal infection theory of disease has been greeted with great enthusiasm in some quarters; however, the present evidence for the relationship of oral microorganisms and systemic disease is very limited due not only to a dearth of prospective studies and a complete lack of interventional studies but also to very significant methodological difficulties associated with the clinical studies that have been performed.
authors.affiliation: University of Southern California School of Dentistry, USA.
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Pallasch
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Wahl
mesh_terms: D016470:Bacteremia / Q000382:microbiology; D004194:Disease; D005491:Focal Infection, Dental / Q000150:complications* / Q000266:history / Q000382:microbiology; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000382:microbiology; D018805:Sepsis / Q000382:microbiology