Blood infection types

Blood Infection

One of the most common infections of the blood is septicemia, but there are many others. The problem of blood infections is connected with the infection of the blood plasma and blood cells, which happens due to the pathogens' influence.

As we have said, the most common type of blood inflammation is septicemia or sepsis. This problem can mistakenly be confused with blood disorders. These blood disorders are non-contagious and genetic by nature.

The two words, septicemia, and sepsis are used equally, but there is a difference between them. When we talk about sepsis, toxins are found in the entire body, when this problem is present.

The toxins will spread through the body. On the other side, septicemia involves bacteria located in the bloodstream and this problem is known as bacteremia. The two types of blood infections we have mentioned are the most serious ones, and they seek medical attention.

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are associated with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. However their aetiology, antimicrobial susceptibilities and associated outcomes differ between developed and developing countries. Systematic data from Vietnam are scarce. Here we present aetiologic data on BSI in adults admitted to a large tertiary referral hospital for infectious diseases in Hanoi, Vietnam.

A retrospective study was conducted at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases between January 2011 and December 2013. Cases of BSI were determined from records in the microbiology department. Case records were obtained where possible and clinical findings, treatment and outcome were recorded. BSI were classified as community acquired if the blood sample was drawn ?48 h after hospitalization or hospital acquired if >48 h.
A total of 738 patients with BSI were included for microbiological analysis.
The predominant pathogens were: Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.5%), Escherichia coli (17.3%), Staphylococcus aureus (14.9%), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (9.6%) and Streptococcus suis (7.6%).
The overall proportion of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production among Enterobacteriaceae was 25.1% (67/267 isolates) and of methicillin-resistance in S. aureus (MRSA) 37% (40/108).
Clinical data was retrieved for 477 (64.6%) patients; median age was 48 years (IQR 36–60) with 27.7% female. The overall case fatality rate was 28.9% and the highest case fatality was associated with Enterobacteriaceae BSI (34.7%) which accounted for 61.6% of all BSI fatalities.

✓ Fact confirmed: Bacterial bloodstream infections in a tertiary infectious diseases hospital in Northern Vietnam: aetiology, drug resistance, and treatment outcome Vu Quoc Dat, Hieu Ngoc Vu, Hung Nguyen The, Hoa Thi Nguyen, Long Bao Hoang, Dung Vu Tien Viet, Chi Linh Bui, Kinh Van Nguyen, Trung Vu Nguyen, Dao Tuyet Trinh, Alessandro Torre, H. Rogier van Doorn, Behzad Nadjm & Heiman F.L. Wertheim; 12 July 2017

Causes and Symptoms of Blood Infection

There are many different causes of blood infection, but the most common is a bacterial infection. This problem can be created even due to viruses and fungi if the individual is having a low-strength immune system. The problem can move from the central point of the infection, or the infected nidus, to other locations in the body.

The infected nidus can be a simple cut or even a major organ from where the infection will spread. The problem of the blood urinary infection begins in the lungs, from where the septicemia arises. Blood infection can also be created by the spreading of the infection, cellulitis infection, ruptured appendicitis or appendix, or meningitis.

The spreading of the infection will be faster if the infection is originating from the abdominal organs. Surgery can also lead to blood infection, but this happens very rarely.

The most common symptoms include fever, faster breathing, tachycardia, confusion, disorientation, severe headaches, and rash on the skin, which can be located in one area or the entire body.

Treatment and Risk

To treat the problem, a proper cause must be identified. When this is done, the treatment may start. Treatment must be given by a professional, especially if the patient is having another treatment for some other condition. Antibiotics are the most common methods of treatment. They can be administered intravenously, which is rare, or orally.

People who have a weak immune system, debilitating disease (AIDS, diabetes, cancer), who had organ transplantation, have spleen problems, take immunosuppressive drugs, experienced severe burns, take steroids for a longer period and undergo radiation therapy or chemotherapy are at higher risk of developing some kind of a blood infection.

We have mentioned that septicemia is the most common type of blood infection, although there are some bacterial and viral types. To get the best treatment, visit a professional when the problem is detected. This will eliminate the possible complication and bring proper diagnosis and treatment plan.