Blood poisoning

Blood poisoning - A common name for septicaemia with toxaemia, a life-threatening illness caused by multiplication of bacteria and formation of toxins in the bloodstream.

Septicaemia may be a complication of an infection in an organ or tissue. In some infective conditions, septic shock may be caused by toxins released by bacteria.

Treatment is with antibiotic drugs and intensive therapy for shock. (See also bacteraemia.)