Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

]Etiology. In the aetiology of the condition it seems certain that more than one factor plays its part. Most frequently it is assumed to result from infection, not of a specific or constant nature but one which may attack in a variety of ways. Thus it is normally claimed that there first must exist a " focus of infection " somewhere in the body, and that from this toxins are produced which either directly or by sensitization set up the syndrome of rheumatoid arthritis. It seems that most frequently the organism centred in this "focus of infection" is the Streptococcus haemolyticus, and it is claimed by some that if sensitized to these toxins the body may react allergically to further infection and develop rheumatoid arthritis. But there is evidence to show that a similar condition may arise from infection with other organisms including the tubercle bacillus.