Definition

Septicemia is an infection in the bloodstream that is caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Also called sepsis, septicemia is a serious, life-threatening response to an infection that may get worse very quickly.

Alternative Names

Blood poisoning; Bacteremia with sepsis

References

Gordon AC, Russell JA. Shock syndromes related to sepsis. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 94.

Shapiro NI, Jones AE. Sepsis syndrome. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 127.