What is the term for a severe infection resulting from bacteria present in the blood?

The term that describes a severe infection resulting from bacteria present in the blood is septicemia. This condition occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream, leading to systemic inflammation and potentially severe health complications. Septicemia can result in sepsis, which is the body's extreme response to infection, characterized by widespread inflammation, tissue damage, and organ failure.

In contrast, viremia refers to the presence of viruses in the blood, not bacteria, making it distinct from septicemia. Bacteremia denotes the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream but does not necessarily imply an infection or the severe systemic effects associated with septicemia. Endotoxemia involves the presence of endotoxins in the blood, typically resulting from gram-negative bacteria, but it is not synonymous with the severe infection that characterizes septicemia. Hence, the correct term to use in this context is septicemia, reflecting the full scope of the infection's severity and its implications for the patient's health.