What is toxemia?

Toxemia refers to a condition where toxins, often produced by pathogens, are present in the bloodstream. This typically occurs when bacteria or other microorganisms produce toxic substances that enter the bloodstream and can then travel to various tissues, leading to systemic effects. These toxins can cause significant harm to organs and lead to a range of symptoms depending on the nature of the toxins and the body's response to them.

The ability of these toxins to impact multiple areas of the body makes toxemia a critical concern in infectious diseases. It distinguishes itself from localized infections, where the problem is confined to a specific area, and from abscesses, where pathogens are present but contained within a pus-filled cavity without spreading their toxins broadly.