Bacteremia is an infection of the blood, which may result in a serious, life-threatening condition, sepsis, that requires immediate hospitalization. In the following, we will discuss the seriousness of blood poisoning, its symptoms, treatment, and how to prevent it.

What is blood germ?

Bacteremia is the entry of bacteria into the bloodstream, and in many cases no symptoms appear, as bacteria may enter the bloodstream during daily activities such as brushing teeth or after simple medical procedures, and the immune system overcomes them without you feeling.

Many people confuse bacteremia with blood poisoning, but they are two different cases, as germs can enter the blood without causing problems due to the strength of the immune system, but in some cases with a weak immune system that fails to fight bacteria, it may spread in the blood more. Causing what is known as bacterial blood poisoning, or septicemia.

As mentioned in many sources, although the term “blood poisoning” is not a medical term, and it is referred to by the terms “septicemia” or “sepsis”, there is a slight difference between them, which is that septicemia is the occurrence of infection in the blood causing signs and symptoms, and it may It festers and leads to Sepsis which is the body’s response and reaction to infection.

In general, blood poisoning results from the spread of infection, whether bacterial, viral or fungal in the blood, but bacterial infection is the most common cause.

Causes of bacteremia

There are many differences in the types of bacteria that cause bacteremia, and some of these types may cause infection in the bloodstream, and examples of these types include the following:

After we got acquainted with the most prominent types of bacteria that cause bacteremia, there are some common ways that cause its transmission:

• Routine dental procedures such as dental cleanings, or tooth extractions at the dentist.
• Medical procedures and surgeries.
• An infection somewhere in the body that then spreads to the bloodstream.
• Medical devices such as catheters, breathing tubes, and non-sterile syringes.
• Severe injuries and burns.

Causes of bacteremia poisoning

Bacterial septicemia is due to the lack of control of the immune system over the bacteria in the blood due to its weakness, and this may occur as a result of many types of infections, such as:

• pneumonia;
• Appendicitis.
• Brain and spinal cord infection.
• Peritonitis.
• Urinary tract infection.
• Liver and gallbladder infection.
• Injuries, burns and severe skin ulcers.
• Non-sterile medical devices.
• Insect bite infected with bacteria.

Symptoms of bacteremia

As we explained to you in a previous paragraph, no symptoms resulting from bacteremia may not appear, as the body’s immune system works to purify it from germs first without you noticing, but if it causes an infection in the bloodstream, it may cause fever, shivering, and goosebumps.

How to diagnose bacteremia

Bacteremia can be diagnosed by conducting a “blood culture” examination, where a sample of the patient’s blood is taken to be examined to detect the presence of bacteria and to know its type.

This procedure is done by withdrawing a blood sample from the arm, and the sample may be withdrawn two or three times in different visits to ensure the presence and type of bacteria. Depending on the type of infection, the doctor may order other culture tests such as:

• A sputum culture test, if a respiratory infection is suspected, or if the patient is using a breathing tube.
• Taking samples from internal catheters or other medical devices used that are believed to be the cause of infection.
• Take tissue samples from wounds or burns for a culture test.
• Imaging tests, which may be ordered by a doctor, to identify the exact location of the infection in the body.

bacteremia treatment

Treatment of bloodstream infections generally requires the use of antibiotics to avoid complications such as septicemia, and the duration of treatment may be in the hospital to monitor the condition, as once bacteria are detected in the blood, the treatment phase begins immediately with broad-spectrum antibiotics intravenously, so After conducting allergy tests first before giving the antibiotic, the patient may be given other medications and fluids intravenously.

Duration of treatment for bacteremia

The duration of treatment varies from one case to another, as it depends on many factors such as the cause and severity of the infection. Antibiotic treatment may require a week for some patients, while treatment lasts two weeks for other patients.

Does blood germ cause death?

If bacteremia is left untreated, the risk of it developing into life-threatening complications such as septicemia and septic shock increases. Members.

germs of pregnant women

According to what was mentioned in one of the sources, bacteremia is considered one of the rare cases during pregnancy, but unfortunately it is associated with bad complications for the fetus, and high rates of fetal death of up to 10%.

How to prevent bacteremia

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
• Take care of catheters and other medical devices and do not touch them until after washing hands.
• Clean and cover wounds.
• Routine follow-up for people with chronic diseases.
• Get the necessary vaccinations.
• Get medical advice as soon as symptoms of infection appear.