What is a local infection?

A local infection refers to an infection that is confined to a specific part of the body. This means that the infection has not spread beyond the localized area and is typically characterized by symptoms such as redness, swelling, warmth, and pain at the site of infection. Local infections can be caused by various pathogens, and they often result in more focused treatment as opposed to systemic infections, which would require more extensive medical intervention.

The other choices describe different types of infections. An infection that spreads through the bloodstream indicates a systemic response affecting multiple body systems, while an infection affecting the entire body also implies a broader systemic impact. Lastly, an infection without visible symptoms may refer to a latent or asymptomatic infection, which does not fit the definition of a local infection focusing on a specific location. Therefore, the definition of a local infection accurately represents the nature of the condition it describes.