A blood infection happens when microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, or fungi enter the bloodstream. This can cause symptoms such as a high fever, chills, weakness, and low blood pressure.
Also called septicemia, a blood infection can develop as a complication of other infections. Examples include a urinary tract infection, pneumonia, dental abscesses, or meningitis.
Treatment for a blood infection usually takes place in the hospital. It often involves intravenous (IV) antibiotics tailored to blood test results, along with continuous monitoring of the patient’s condition.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of a blood infection are:
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High fever;
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Chills;
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Weakness;
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Heavy sweating without a clear reason;
In some cases, a blood infection can get worse and cause symptoms like confusion, fast breathing, dizziness, and a rapid heartbeat.
Is a blood infection serious?
A blood infection is a serious condition that can worsen rapidly if not treated promptly. In severe cases, microorganisms can spread through the blood to other organs and cause the body to overreact, leading to sepsis.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), if sepsis is not recognized early and managed promptly, it can lead to septic shock, multiple organ failure, and death.
Confirming a diagnosis
A blood infection is typically diagnosed by a primary care provider or an infectious disease specialist, based on the person’s symptoms and blood test results.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), testing for suspected sepsis can include blood cultures to help identify the bacteria or fungi causing the infection.
If a viral blood infection is suspected, serologic and molecular tests are used to identify the virus. Viruses are not detected with a blood culture.
An antibiotic susceptibility test may also be performed. This helps determine which antimicrobials the microorganism is sensitive or resistant to, so the most appropriate treatment can be chosen.
In some cases, additional tests may be requested to check whether the microorganism has spread to other organs. These may include a urine test, a wound secretion culture, a computed tomography (CT) scan, or an ultrasound.
Possible causes
A blood infection can develop as a complication of other infections, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), pneumonia, dental abscesses, or meningitis.
It can also happen after surgery due to infection in a surgical wound, or after placing medical devices like catheters and tubes. In these situations, it is considered a hospital-acquired infection.
People with chronic conditions, such as diabetes or cancer, are more likely to develop a blood infection. Young children are also at higher risk, especially during the neonatal period, which is referred to as neonatal sepsis.
Treatment options
Treatment for a blood infection is usually done in a hospital and may include:
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Medication given directly into a vein;
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Continuous monitoring of vital signs;
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Frequent tests to track how well treatment is working;
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Specific care if it progresses to sepsis or septic shock.
Doctors often start with broad-spectrum antibiotics, which target multiple types of bacteria at the same time. This is done while waiting for test results that identify the microorganism causing the infection.
Once blood culture and sensitivity results are available, the antibiotic may be switched to one that is more specific and more effective against the bacteria identified.
If the infection is caused by fungi or viruses, the initial antibiotic is stopped. Treatment is then adjusted to more appropriate medications.
Can a blood infection be cured?
Yes, a blood infection can be cured. With the right treatment, which usually includes antibiotics or other medications that target the microorganism causing the infection, most people can fully recover.
Can a blood infection turn into leukemia?
A blood infection can weaken the immune system, but it does not cause cancer. A blood infection is caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi entering and spreading through the bloodstream.
Leukemia is different. It is a type of blood cancer that happens when blood cells are produced in an abnormal and uncontrolled way.