Definition

1. Noun:
   • The presence of a virus in the bloodstream: A medical condition where viruses are detected in the circulating blood.

Usage

• The term "viraemia" is used in medical and scientific contexts to describe a state of systemic viral infection. It indicates that a virus has entered the blood, which can allow it to spread to various organs. It is a key concept in understanding the pathogenesis of many viral diseases.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The patient developed a high fever, indicating a possible viraemia.
  • Detection of viraemia is crucial for diagnosing the severity of the infection.
  • The vaccine aims to prevent viraemia following exposure to the virus.

Advanced Usage

• "Primary viraemia": Refers to the initial spread of virus into the blood from the primary site of infection.
• "Secondary viraemia": Occurs when a virus replicates in an organ and re-enters the bloodstream in larger quantities, often leading to wider dissemination.

Variants and Related Words

• Viremia (noun): The American English spelling of "viraemia". Both terms are used interchangeably in medical literature.
  • The report noted the presence of viremia.
• Viraemic (adjective): Describing a state or condition involving viraemia.
  • The viraemic phase of the illness is the most contagious.

Synonyms

• Virus in the blood: A descriptive synonym.
• Viral bloodstream infection: A more general descriptive term.

Notes on Meaning

• "Viraemia" specifically denotes the of the virus in the blood. It is distinct from "bacteraemia" (bacteria in the blood) or "septicaemia" (a serious, systemic response to infection).
• The condition can be asymptomatic or can lead to clinical symptoms depending on the virus and the host's immune response.

Noun

1. the presence of a virus in the blood stream
   • viremia spread the smallpox virus to the internal organs