septicemia

sep·ti·ce·mia

noun \ˌsep-tə-ˈsē-mē-ə\

Definition of SEPTICEMIA

: invasion of the bloodstream by virulent microorganisms and especially bacteria along with their toxins from a local seat of infection accompanied especially by chills, fever, and prostration —called also blood poisoning — compare sepsis

— sep·ti·ce·mic \-ˈsē-mik\ adjective

Origin of SEPTICEMIA

New Latin, from Latin septicus + New Latin -emia

First Known Use: circa 1860

Rhymes with SEPTICEMIA

academia, hyperemia, thalassemia

sep·ti·ce·mia

noun    (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of SEPTICEMIA

: invasion of the bloodstream by virulent microorganisms (as bacteria, viruses, or fungi) from a focus of infection that is accompanied by acute systemic illness—called also blood poisoning; see pyemia; compare sepsis

—sep·ti·ce·mic or chiefly British sep·ti·cae·mic \-ˈsē-mik\ (audio pronunciation) adjective

Variants of SEPTICEMIA

sep·ti·ce·mia or chiefly British sep·ti·cae·mia \ˌsep-tə-ˈsē-mē-ə\ (audio pronunciation)

septicemia

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Invasion of the bloodstream, after surgery or infectious disease, by microorganisms—typically gram-negative (see gram stain) bacteria—and the toxins they release. The latter trigger immune responses and widespread coagulation in blood vessels. High fever, chills, weakness, and sweating are followed by a drop in blood pressure. Multiple infections are often present, requiring broad-spectrum antibiotics as well as drainage of foci of infection. Without immediate treatment, septic shock follows, with a mortality rate over 50%. Invasive technology and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospitals have made septicemia more severe and more common. See also bacteremia.

Variants of SEPTICEMIA

septicemia or blood poisoning