Which infection occurs when bacteria spread through the circulatory system?

A general infection occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body via the circulatory system. This type of infection affects multiple organs or systems rather than being localized to one area. It can lead to systemic symptoms, which often include fever, chills, and fatigue, as the immune system responds to the widespread presence of pathogens.

In contrast, a local infection is confined to a specific area of the body, such as a cut or wound, and does not spread throughout the circulatory system. A contagious infection refers to illnesses that can be easily transmitted from one person to another, but the term does not specifically imply systemic involvement. Lastly, a passive infection is not a standard term used in medical contexts to describe how infections spread, making it irrelevant in this discussion. Thus, the key aspect of a general infection lies in its capacity to disseminate bacteria throughout the entire body via the bloodstream, differentiating it from other forms of infection.