Bacteremia

Bacteremia may occur during

Ordinary activities sometimes cause bacteremia in healthy people. For example, vigorous toothbrushing can cause bacteremia because bacteria living on the gums around the teeth are forced into the bloodstream. Bacteria may also enter the bloodstream from the intestine during digestion. Bacteremia that occurs during ordinary activities rarely leads to infections.

Dental or medical procedures can lead to bacteremia. During dental procedures (as during tooth cleaning by a dental hygienist), bacteria living on the gums may become dislodged and enter the bloodstream. Bacteremia may also occur when catheters are inserted into the bladder or tubes are inserted into the digestive tract or urinary tract. Bacteria may be present in the area where the catheter or tube has been inserted (such as the bladder or intestine). So even though sterile techniques are used, these procedures may move bacteria into the bloodstream. Surgical treatment of infected wounds, abscesses (collections of pus), and pressure sores can dislodge bacteria from the infected site, causing bacteremia.

In some bacterial infections, such as pneumonia Overview of Pneumonia Pneumonia is an infection of the small air sacs of the lungs (alveoli) and the tissues around them. Pneumonia is one of the most common causes of death worldwide. Often, pneumonia is the final... read more and skin abscesses Folliculitis and Skin Abscesses Folliculitis and skin abscesses are pus-filled pockets in the skin resulting from bacterial infection. They may be superficial or deep, affecting just hair follicles or deeper structures within... read more , bacteria may periodically enter the bloodstream, causing bacteremia. Many common childhood bacterial infections cause bacteremia.

Injecting illicit drugs can cause bacteremia because the needles used are usually contaminated with bacteria, and people may not properly cleanse their skin.

Usually, bacteremia that results from ordinary events, such as dental procedures, is temporary and causes no symptoms. Bacteremia that results from other conditions may cause fever. If people with bacteremia have fever, a rapid heart rate, shaking chills, low blood pressure, gastrointestinal symptoms (such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea), rapid breathing, and/or become confused, they probably have sepsis or septic shock Sepsis and Septic Shock Sepsis is a serious bodywide response to bacteremia or another infection plus malfunction or failure of an essential system in the body. Septic shock is life-threatening low blood pressure ... read more .

If bacteremia, sepsis, or septic shock is suspected, doctors usually take a sample of blood so they can try to grow (culture Culture of Microorganisms Infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Doctors suspect an infection based on the person's symptoms, physical examination results,... read more ) the bacteria in the laboratory and identify it. If needed, doctors may try to culture bacteria from other samples (such as urine or sputum).

If an infection or sepsis develops, it is treated with antibiotics.

Doctors remove sources of bacteria (such as catheters).

People who are at high risk of complications due to bacteremia (such as those who have an artificial heart valve or joint or certain heart valve abnormalities) are often given antibiotics before procedures that can cause bacteremia:

Antibiotics help prevent bacteremia and thus infections and sepsis from developing.