Presence of bacteria in the blood.
Short-term bacteremia follows dental or surgical procedures, especially if local infection or very high-risk surgery releases bacteria from isolated sites. In some cases, prior antibiotic therapy can prevent this. It causes little problem to a healthy immune system but can be serious for those with prostheses (where infection can center) or high susceptibility to bacterial invasion. Extensive bacteremia can release toxins into the blood ( septicemia ), leading to shock and vascular collapse. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria have increased the rate of severe bacteremia.