Which of the following is a common characteristic of bacteremia?

Bacteremia refers to the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream, which can lead to serious health complications, including sepsis. A common characteristic of bacteremia is an increased body temperature, often resulting from the body’s immune response to the invading pathogens. Fever is a classic sign of infection as the body raises its temperature to create an environment less favorable for bacterial growth and to enhance the activity of the immune system.

While other abnormal clinical findings can be associated with bacteremia, such as possible changes in blood pressure, white blood cell count, and glucose levels, these do not consistently define bacteremia. An increased body temperature is a hallmark of the infection process, making it a clear indication of bacteremia's biological effects.