Infiltration of the blood by microorganisms is common and may occur as a mild, asymptomatic and transient phase in the natural course of some infections. However, an overwhelming and severe invasion of the blood by bacteria, viruses or fungi, known as septicemia, can occur especially in individuals with weakened immunity. Death rate can be as high as 80 percent in such cases. The patient is usually admitted to the intensive care unit of a hospital, and the treatment plan depends on the severity of the condition.
Oxygen Therapy
Oxygen therapy is often given to septicemia patients who experience shortness of breath and disorientation. It involves administration of oxygen in concentrations higher than that in the room environment. A simple face mask or a nasal cannula can be used for the purpose.
Intravenous Fluids
These patients often require intravenous fluids, such as saline. These fluids can help to treat low blood pressure, which is another symptom of septicemia. Untreated, this low blood pressure can lead to a serious condition called septic shock.
Regulation of Body Temperature
An individual with a blood infection may or may not have fever. In fact, hypothermia, or a temperature that is below normal, is common among patients with blood infections. If fever is present, however, antipyretics like acetaminophen and ibuprofen are given orally or intravenously, depending on the condition of the patient. If the patient has hypothermia, keeping the patient warm and preventing further loss of body heat are important. Severe hypothermia is rare but can be treated by administering IV solutions heated to 45°C.
Antibiotics, Antifungals and Antivirals
If bacteria--as opposed to viruses or fungi--are causing the infection, the patients often receive high doses of broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, quinolones, or even some synthetic penicillins. These antibiotics are given intravenously and have the ability to act against several types of bacteria and hence, are preferred in the early stages of treatment, when the exact type of bacteria is unknown. Once the blood culture and other laboratory test results are available and the exact causative organism has been identified, patients can then receive a narrow-spectrum antibiotic targeting the specific microorganism. For example, penicillin G is effective against Staphylococcus aureus and other gram-positive bacteria, and the macrolides are effective against group A streptococcal and pneumococcal infections and MRSA.
Fungal infections of the blood are most commonly caused by Candida species and can be treated using antifungals like amphotericin B and flucanozole.
Viral infections can be treated with antiviral drugs, such as ganciclovir and ribavarin.
Surgery and Other Invasive Procedures
Septicemia can also lead to other complications, which may require additional treatments. If the infection passes into the abdomen, the patient may receive surgery or drainage of the infection by tubes. Patients who develop clots and other blood abnormalities may receive plasma and other blood supplements. Septicemia can also lead to endocarditis, an infection of the heart, which can be treated with antibiotics but which may require surgery, especially if the heart valves get damaged.
References
- "Medical Microbiology"; Patrick R. Murray, Ken S. Rosenthal, George S. Kobayashi, Michael A. Pfaller; 2005
- Medline Plus: Septicemia
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Septicemia - Overview
