Septicemia is defined as a bacterial infection spread through which system?

• A. Bacterial infection limited to the skin
• B. Bacterial infection spread through the lymphatic system
• C. Bacterial infection spread through the vascular system
• D. Bacteria causing a bladder infection

Answer: (C)

Septicemia means bacteria circulating in the bloodstream, spreading through the vascular system to involve the whole body. This systemic distribution via the blood makes it distinct from infections confined to the skin or limited to the urinary or lymphatic areas. A bladder infection, for example, stays in the urinary tract unless bacteria enter the bloodstream, at which point septicemia occurs. The vascular system is the route by which the infection becomes widespread, which is why this option is the best answer.