Content
Infection in the blood corresponds to the presence of microorganisms in the blood, mainly fungi and bacteria, which leads to the appearance of some symptoms such as high fever, decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate and nausea, for example. When the infection is not diagnosed and treated properly, the microorganism can spread through the bloodstream and reach other organs, which can lead to complications and organ failure.
The severity of the infection depends on the infecting microorganism and the response of the infected person's body, as people with compromised or ineffective immune systems are more susceptible to this type of infection and treatment is usually more complicated.
Treatment for infection in the blood is done according to the microorganism identified through laboratory tests, and can be done with the use of antibiotics or antifungals according to the medical recommendation and the results of cultures and sensitivity profile of the microorganisms to the drugs .
Main symptoms
Symptoms of infection in the blood appear when there are large amounts of microorganisms in the blood, which can result in the appearance of some signs and symptoms, such as:
- High fever;
- Increased respiratory rate;
- Decreased blood pressure;
- Increased heart rate;
- Loss of memory or mental confusion;
- Dizziness;
- Fatigue;
- Chills;
- Vomiting or nausea;
- Mental confusion.
As soon as signs or symptoms of infection in the blood are identified, it is important to go to the doctor so that the symptoms described by the patient can be evaluated and tests are requested to confirm the infection in the blood, and the most appropriate treatment can be started soon thereafter to prevent complications.
Is the blood infection serious?
Blood infection is severe depending on the microorganism identified in the blood and the body's ability to respond to infection. Thus, newborns, the elderly and people with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a blood infection that is more severe.
Some microorganisms have a high infectious capacity, being able to proliferate quickly and spread through the bloodstream, reaching other organs and characterizing septic shock or septicemia. If this infection is not identified quickly and properly treated, there may be organ failure and result in death. Learn all about septic shock.
Possible causes of blood infection
Infection in the blood can be a consequence of other infections, such as urinary tract infection, pneumonia or meningitis, for example, arising after surgery, due to infection of surgical wounds, or placement of medical devices, such as catheters and tubes, being considered a hospital infection, related to health care. Know what hospital infection is and how to prevent it.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of infection in the blood is made mainly through laboratory tests whose main objective is to identify the microorganism present in the bloodstream, and blood culture is indicated, which is usually done during hospitalization.
The collected blood is placed in a container called "blood culture bottle" and sent to the laboratory for analysis. The bottle is placed in equipment that is capable of providing the appropriate environment for the growth of microorganisms. The bottles remain in the equipment for 7 days to 10 days, however, positive cultures are identified in the first 3 days.
After the positivity of the sample is detected, other techniques are performed with this same sample to identify the infectious agent, in addition to the antibiogram to check which antimicrobials this microorganism is sensitive or resistant to, and thus it is possible to define the treatment most appropriate. Understand how the antibiogram is made.
In addition to the microbiological exam, the doctor may indicate the performance of other laboratory exams to confirm the infection and check how the person's immunity is doing, and a blood count and C-reactive protein (CRP) dosage may be requested. In some cases, urinalysis, culture of wound secretion, computed tomography and ultrasound may also be requested, the latter two being requested to verify whether the microorganism has spread to other organs.
In the case of suspected blood infection by viruses, serological and molecular tests are carried out to identify the virus, its concentration in the blood and, thus, determine the treatment, since the viruses are not identified through blood culture.
How to treat
The treatment is done with the hospitalized person and is established according to the microorganism identified in the blood. In the case of infection by bacteria, the use of antibiotics is recommended, which is defined according to the sensitivity profile of the bacteria. In the case of fungal infection, the use of antifungals is indicated according to the result of the antifungigram. In general, antimicrobials are administered directly into the vein so that the action against microganism happens more quickly and effectively.
It may also be recommended to use drugs to increase blood pressure, as well as low doses of corticosteroids and insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.