What is the toxic condition resulting from the presence of microorganisms or their toxins in the blood called?

The toxic condition that arises from the presence of microorganisms or their toxins in the blood is termed sepsis. This is a serious medical condition characterized by a systemic inflammatory response to infection, leading to significant organ dysfunction. Sepsis occurs when the body responds to infection by releasing a flood of chemicals into the bloodstream that can lead to widespread inflammation. This inflammation can cause a cascade of changes that results in blood clotting, reduced blood flow to organs, and ultimately, organ failure if not treated promptly.

Septicaemia, while it may seem synonymous with sepsis, specifically refers to the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream, whereas sepsis encompasses a broader range of infections and inflammatory responses, including the presence of toxins. Viremia refers specifically to the presence of viruses in the blood, and parasitemia deals with parasites in the bloodstream. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why sepsis is the correct term to describe the toxic condition caused by microorganisms or their toxins in the blood.