What is a systemic infection?

A systemic infection is characterized by its involvement of the entire body rather than being limited to a specific location. This type of infection typically indicates that pathogens have entered the bloodstream and are spreading throughout multiple organ systems, leading to more widespread symptoms. Common examples include sepsis, where the body's response to infection can overwhelm its response systems, and infections that can affect multiple organs or body systems.

The other options describe different types of infections. A localized infection, for instance, is confined to a specific area, such as a wound or a specific organ, rather than affecting the whole body. An infection due to a skin cut might only involve the skin or the surrounding tissues. While antibiotics can be effective for many bacterial infections, they do not universally treat all systemic infections; some may be viral, require different treatments, or involve antibiotic-resistant organisms. Therefore, understanding the systemic nature of the infection is crucial for appropriate management and treatment.