What term describes bacteria in the blood that is not growing and multiplying?

Bacteremia is the term that specifically describes the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream without the active growth or multiplication of these bacteria. This condition can happen when bacteria enter the bloodstream from localized infections or procedures.

In contrast, other terms in the options have distinct definitions. Bactericidal refers to substances that kill bacteria rather than merely inhibit their growth. Infection denotes a state where pathogens, including bacteria, are actively multiplying and causing disease, which contrasts with the idea of non-growing bacteria in the bloodstream. Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response to infection, typically involving the presence of actively multiplying bacteria and their toxins in the blood, leading to severe symptoms. Thus, bacteremia accurately captures the presence of non-growing bacteria in the blood.