Blood poisoning is otherwise known as

• A. Bacteremia
• B. Septicemia
• C. Sepsis
• D. Toxemia

Answer: (B)

Blood poisoning refers to an infection in the bloodstream that causes systemic illness, which in medical terms is septicemia. Septicemia means bacteria are present in the blood and multiplying, often bringing fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, and a feeling of being very ill. This goes beyond mere presence of bacteria in the blood (bacteremia), which can occur without symptoms, and it’s distinct from sepsis, which is the body’s harmful, widespread response to infection and can lead to organ dysfunction. Toxemia is toxins in the blood, not an infection itself. So septicemia best matches the idea of blood poisoning.