What defines a local infection?

A local infection is defined as one that occurs in a specific part of the body and is restricted to that area. This means that the infection does not spread throughout the entire body, but rather is concentrated and affects only the tissues or organs within that localized region.

In contrast, infections that affect the entire body or involve multiple systems are categorized as systemic infections. These types of infections can have more widespread symptoms and impacts, making them fundamentally different from local infections. For example, options that mention systemic involvement or multiple systems illustrate broader issues rather than the confined nature of a local infection. By understanding that local infections are limited to a specific area, it becomes clear why the definition emphasizes this restriction.