The presence of bacteria in the bloodstream. The term is usually qualified as being transient, intermittent, or continuous in nature.
The presence of viable bacteria circulating in the blood. Fever, chills, tachycardia, and tachypnea are common acute manifestations of bacteremia. The majority of cases are seen in already hospitalized patients, most of whom have underlying diseases or procedures which render their bloodstreams susceptible to invasion.
The presence of viable bacteria in the blood.
Contamination of the bloodstream with bacteria; also called blood poisoning.
A bacterial infection in the blood; often called blood poisoning (sepsis). The infection begins in one area, such as a tooth abscess or in the urinary tract, and then spreads. Once infectious bacteria reach the bloodstream, they can travel throughout the body. Symptoms include sudden fever, chills, rapid heartbeat with a drop in blood pressure (septic shock), flushed skin, red streaks leading from a wound, confusion, and mental impairment. Left untreated, bacteremia causes shock and can result in death. A blood culture test is used to diagnose bacteremia. When diagnosed promptly, bacteremia can usually be treated successfully with intravenous antibiotics and other supportive therapy.