What is an example of a local infection?

An abscess is a localized collection of pus that occurs due to an infection. It usually forms when bacteria invade a specific area of tissue, leading to inflammation and the accumulation of pus, which is a thick fluid comprised of dead cells, bacteria, and tissue debris. This localized nature of the infection is what distinguishes it as a local infection—it's confined to a particular area of the body rather than spreading throughout the system.

In contrast, sepsis is a serious systemic condition that arises when the body's response to an infection causes widespread inflammation, affecting multiple organ systems. A systemic infection distributes harmful microorganisms throughout the body rather than a specific site. Similarly, a viral infection affecting multiple organs signifies a broader impact rather than a localized one. Thus, an abscess is accurately characterized as a local infection, highlighting the infection's specific and confined nature.