Which type of infection is characterized by localized redness, heat, swelling, and pain?

An acute inflammatory infection is characterized by localized redness, heat, swelling, and pain as part of the body's immediate response to infection or injury. This reaction is due to increased blood flow to the affected area, as the body's immune system sends white blood cells and other substances to fight off pathogens. The classic signs of acute inflammation include redness and heat, which result from vasodilation, swelling from an accumulation of fluid and immune cells, and pain due to the release of chemicals that sensitize nerve endings.

In contrast, chronic inflammatory infections typically present more subtly and may not exhibit the same immediate and intense signs. Viral infections can also lead to inflammation but often result in more systemic symptoms rather than localized features. Systemic infections affect the entire body and might present with fever and malaise, rather than the localized symptoms seen in acute inflammatory infections. Thus, the specific characteristics of acute inflammation align well with the symptoms described in the question.