The presence of bacteria in the blood, which can be dangerous if it spreads throughout the body.
From bacteria (plural of bacterium, from Greek 'bakterion' meaning rod) + -emia (from Greek 'haima' meaning blood). The term emerged in the late 1800s as medical science developed ways to detect microorganisms in blood.
Bacteremia is actually more common than you'd think—you might have brief episodes after dental work or even vigorous tooth brushing, but your immune system usually handles it. However, persistent bacteremia signals a serious infection that needs treatment.
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