What is the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream after trauma called?

Bacteremia refers specifically to the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream. This condition can occur as a direct result of trauma, where bacteria may enter the circulation due to infection at the site of injury. It's important to distinguish bacteremia from other conditions, as it may or may not lead to additional complications like systemic infection or sepsis.

In contrast, septicemia refers to the advanced condition where bacteria reproduce and produce toxins in the bloodstream, often accompanied by serious systemic symptoms. Sepsis is a broader term that describes the body's extreme response to an infection, which can lead to potential organ failure. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome encompasses a set of clinical features indicating widespread inflammation and can be triggered by various insults, not limited to infections.

Thus, when identifying the specific scenario of simply having bacteria present in the blood, bacteremia is the most accurate term.