The fact of having bacteria in the blood. Bacteraemia is not necessarily a serious condition.
Bacteraemia refers to the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream. It is commonly observed for a brief duration following minor surgical procedures and dental treatments, and can also occur in infections such as tonsillitis. The immune system, which serves as the body’s natural defense mechanism, typically prevents the bacteria from proliferating and causing harm. However, individuals with abnormal heart valves, resulting from conditions like congenital defects or scarring caused by rheumatic fever, may experience endocarditis, characterized by inflammation of the heart lining and valves, if the bacteria are involved. In individuals with weakened immune systems due to illness or major surgery, bacteraemia can progress to septicaemia, an infection of the blood.