The infection in the blood corresponds to the presence of microorganisms in the blood, mainly fungi and bacteria, leading to symptoms such as high fever, low blood pressure, increased heartbeat and nausea, for example. When the infection is undiagnosed and treated properly, the microorganism can spread into the bloodstream and reach other organs, leading to complications and organ failure.
The severity of the infection depends on the infecting microorganism and the body's response of the infected person, since people with compromised or underdeveloped immune systems are more susceptible to this type of infection and treatment is usually more complicated.
The treatment for infection in the blood is done according to the microorganism identified through the laboratory tests, and can be done with the use of antibiotics or antifungals according to the medical recommendation.
Main symptoms
The infection in the blood can be perceived through some signs and symptoms, as for example:
- High fever;
- Increased respiratory rate;
- Decreased blood pressure;
- Increased heart rate;
- Loss of memory or mental confusion;
- Dizziness;
- Fatigue;
- Chills;
- Vomiting or nausea.
As soon as signs and 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 that tests are requested to confirm the infection in the blood and, thus, to start treatment and avoid complications .
Is the blood infection serious?
The infection in the blood is serious according to the microorganism present in the blood and the ability of the organism to respond to the infection. Thus, newborns, the elderly and people with deficiencies in the immune system have more chance of infection in the blood being more serious. See how the immune system works.
Some microorganisms have high infectivity, being able to proliferate rapidly 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 may 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 probes, for infection. Know what hospital infection is and how to prevent it.
How is the diagnosis made?
The diagnosis of the infection in the blood is made mainly through laboratory tests. The main test performed to identify microorganisms in the bloodstream is blood culture, which is usually done during hospitalization and consists of blood collection by a trained professional, and there may be identification of bacteria or fungi in the bloodstream.
The collected blood is placed in a container called a blood culture bottle and sent to the laboratory for analysis. The bottle is placed in an apparatus that is capable of providing the environment suitable 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, the blood contained in the bottle is used to make a slide and can be seen under a microscope to identify the characteristics of the microorganism.
In addition to the microscopic identification, a culture is made in a suitable culture medium so that the microorganism can be isolated and, subsequently, the species and the antimicrobials to which this species is sensitive or resistant are identified, so that the best can be defined treatment. Learn how the antibiogram is done.
The blood count may also be requested by the doctor for confirmation of infection, in which the amount of leukocytes in the case of infection is high, as well as the C-reactive protein (CRP) dosage. Other tests may also be requested to confirm the spread of the microorganism in the body, such as urine test (EAS), uroculture, wound secretion culture, computed tomography and ultrasonography. See what the hemogram is for and how to interpret it.
In the case of suspected virus infection in the blood, serological and molecular tests are performed to identify the virus, its concentration in the blood and thus to determine the treatment, since the virus is 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 bacterial infection, the use of antibiotics is recommended, which is defined by the physician according to the sensitivity profile of the bacteria. In the case of fungal infection, the use of antifungal agents according to the antifungigram result is indicated.
The use of medicines to increase blood pressure, low doses of corticosteroids and insulin to regulate blood sugar levels may also be recommended.
