What best defines a local infection?

A local infection is best defined as an infection confined to a specific area. This means that the pathogens causing the infection do not spread beyond a certain region of the body, and the symptoms are usually limited to that area, which can include redness, swelling, and pain. For instance, a localized skin infection, such as a boil or an infected cut, would be characterized by the symptoms occurring only around that particular site without affecting other parts of the body.

The other options pertain to different types of infections. An infection that spreads throughout the body describes a systemic infection, which can lead to more severe health issues. An infection that elevates body temperature refers to fever, commonly associated with infections but not specific to local infections. Finally, stating that an infection is caused by bacteria does not accurately describe the concept of local infections, as they can be caused by various pathogens, including viruses and fungi. Thus, the definition of a local infection focuses singularly on its confinement to a specific area rather than the nature of the pathogen or the systemic effects on the body.