septicaemia Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun invasion of the bloodstream by virulent microorganisms from a focus of infection
blood poisoning; septicemia.

NL., from Gr. putrefactive + blood.

(Med.) A poisoned condition of the blood produced by the absorption into it of septic or putrescent material; blood poisoning. It is marked by chills, fever, prostration, and inflammation of the different serous membranes and of the lungs, kidneys, and other organs. Now septicemia. A condition caused by bacterial infection, the effects being mediated by the release of toxins by bacteria, within the circulation. (local infection is sepsis) Also septemia, septic fever, hematosepsis, sapremia