Bacteremia is the presence of bacteria in the blood. It can happen after surgical or dental procedures or as a result of an infection, such as a urinary tract infection.
In most cases, bacteremia does not cause symptoms. However, when bacteria spread to different parts of the body, they can lead to sepsis and cause symptoms such as fever, low blood pressure, and changes in breathing rate.
Treatment for bacteremia is managed by a general practitioner, infectious disease specialist, or pediatrician. Treatment involves antibiotics to fight the bacteria causing the infection and help prevent a widespread infection.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of bacteremia are:
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Fever and chills;
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Diarrhea or abdominal pain;
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Nausea or vomiting;
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Rapid heartbeat;
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Low blood pressure;
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Rapid breathing.
The presence of bacteria in the bloodstream usually does not cause symptoms.
However, symptoms may develop because of the immune system’s response to bacteria and may be related to sepsis or even septic shock.
Symptoms may also occur when bacteria settle in other areas of the body, such as organs, catheters, or prosthetic devices. These symptoms can vary depending on the type of bacteria and the person’s overall health.
Occult bacteremia
Occult bacteremia occurs mainly in children and is characterized by fever without other symptoms.
In general, the child does not appear ill, seems well overall, and has a fever with no clear cause or localized infection.
How bacteremia is diagnosed
Bacteremia is diagnosed by a general practitioner, infectious disease specialist, or pediatrician through an evaluation of symptoms, health history, and physical and laboratory exams.
Tests for bacteremia
The main tests used to diagnose bacteremia are:
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Complete blood count and blood lactate levels;
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Blood culture;
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Urinalysis and urine culture;
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Culture of secretions from wounds, abscesses, or sputum.
These tests help confirm bacteremia and identify the type of bacteria causing the blood infection.
Imaging tests may also be ordered, such as a chest X-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan, to identify where the infection is located in the body.
What is the difference between bacteremia and sepsis?
Sepsis is an intense inflammatory response in the body to infections that may be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Bacteremia is the presence of bacteria in the blood. It can progress to sepsis when the body has an exaggerated reaction to bacteria in the bloodstream.
Possible causes
The main causes of bacteremia are:
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A weakened immune system due to chronic diseases;
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Surgery or invasive procedures;
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Use of catheters or tubes;
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Wounds, cuts, scratches, or burns on the skin;
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Untreated infections, especially urinary tract or respiratory infections;
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Tooth extraction;
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Use of non-sterile objects, such as needles and syringes.
Another situation that may make bacteria more likely to enter the blood is brushing the teeth too hard, which can allow bacteria from the mouth to enter the bloodstream.
Is having bacteria in the blood serious?
In most cases, bacteremia, or bacteria in the blood, is not serious, and the body is able to fight it effectively.
However, it can cause an exaggerated immune system response and lead to sepsis or septic shock. These are serious conditions that can be life-threatening if they are not treated quickly.
Treatment options
Treatment for bacteremia should be guided by an infectious disease specialist, general practitioner, or pediatrician, taking the person’s overall health and age into account.
In general, bacteremia is treated with oral or intravenous antibiotics. The choice of antibiotic varies depending on the bacteria identified in the tests.
Can bacteria in the blood be cured?
Bacteremia, or bacteria in the blood, can be cured when treatment is done correctly under medical guidance.
Antibiotic treatment should be followed for the full amount of time prescribed by the doctor. This helps prevent antibiotic resistance, which can make treatment more difficult and take longer.