How is a systemic infection defined?

A systemic infection is defined as an infection that affects the entire body. This type of infection occurs when pathogens, such as bacteria or viruses, enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, leading to widespread symptoms that can affect multiple organ systems. Common examples of systemic infections include sepsis or a severe case of influenza, where the body responds to the infection at a systemic level rather than localized.

In contrast, an infection that remains in one area pertains to localized infections, where the infectious agents do not spread beyond the initial site of infection, such as a skin abscess. Additionally, the classification of an infection as easily treated or mild with no symptoms does not pertain to the systemic nature of the infection itself. These factors may vary widely depending on the organism and the individual's immune response but do not specifically relate to whether an infection is systemic.