Bacteraemia Health Dictionary

A common name for septicaemia with toxaemia, a life-threatening illness caused by multiplication of bacteria and formation of toxins in the bloodstream. Septicaemia may be a complication of an infection in an organ or tissue. In some infective conditions, septic shock may be caused by toxins released by bacteria. Treatment is with antibiotic drugs and intensive therapy for shock. (See also bacteraemia.)... blood poisoning

A bacterial infection of the skin and the tissues beneath it, usually affecting the face, neck, or legs. Cellulitis is most commonly caused by streptococci bacteria, which enter the skin via a wound. The affected area is hot, tender, and red, and there may be fever and chills. Untreated cellulitis at the site of a wound may progress to bacteraemia and septicaemia or, occasionally, to gangrene. Cellulitis is usually more severe in people with reduced immune response, such as those with diabetes mellitus or an immunodeficiency disorder. Treatment is with an antibiotic such as a penicillin drug or erythromycin. (See also erysipelas.)... cellulitis

Infection of a wound or body tissues with bacteria that leads to the formation of pus or to the multiplication of the bacteria in the blood. (See also bacteraemia; septicaemia; septic shock.)... sepsis

A potentially life-threatening condition in which there is rapid multiplication of bacteria and in which bacterial toxins are present in the blood. (See also bacteraemia.)

Septicaemia usually arises through escape of bacteria from a focus of infection, such as an abscess, and is more likely to occur in people with an immunodeficiency disorder, cancer, or diabetes mellitus; in those who take immunosuppressant drugs; and in drug addicts who inject.

Symptoms include a fever, chills, rapid breathing, headache, and clouding of consciousness. The sufferer may go into life-threatening septic shock.

Glucose and/or saline are given by intravenous infusion, and antibiotics by injection or infusion.

Surgery may be necessary to remove the original infection.

If treatment is given before septic shock develops, the outlook is good.... septicaemia

n. a genus of Gram-positive nonmotile spherical bacteria occurring in grapelike clusters. Some species are saprophytes; others parasites. Many species produce *exotoxins. The species S. aureus is commonly present on skin and mucous membranes; it causes boils and internal abscesses. More serious infections caused by staphylococci include pneumonia, bacteraemia, osteomyelitis, and enterocolitis. See also MRSA. —staphylococcal adj.... staphylococcus