An infection in the blood due to the presence of bacteria is called bacteremia. Bacterial infections in the blood are classified as either community-acquired or nosocomial. Community-acquired infections are contracted by individuals who are otherwise healthy. Nosocomial infections are contracted by sick individuals who have already been hospitalized, according to the Annals of Internal Medicine. There are a number of different bacterial blood infections, each with the possibility of serious complications.
Sepsis
Sepsis is a severe illness that occurs as a result of an extreme amount of bacteria in the blood. The bacterial infection can begin anywhere in the body, but most often starts in the bowel, kidneys, lungs or skin, according to Medline Plus. When the bacteria move to the blood, sepsis, which is often life-threatening, develops. The first symptoms of sepsis include mental changes and hyperventilation. A severe drop in blood pressure soon follows, which often causes a state of shock. Other symptoms of sepsis include chills, confusion, fever, rapid heartbeat, lightheadedness, shaking and skin rash. Sepsis can also result in organ malfunction, targeting the kidneys, liver, lungs and brain.
Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes and the fluid that surround the brain. Bacterial meningitis develops when bacteria in the blood migrate to the brain and spinal cord. There are a number of bacteria that can cause bacterial meningitis including pneumococcus, meningococcus, haemophilus and listeria. Bacterial meningitis comes on suddenly and is the most serious form of meningitis, according to Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of bacterial meningitis include high fever, severe headache, vomiting, confusion, fatigue, sensitivity to light and a stiff neck. If left untreated, the condition can lead to shock or death within a few days.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, is a staph infection that is highly-resistant to antibiotics. S. aureus normally lives on the skin and in the nasal passages of healthy individuals. Problems occur when the bacteria enter into the body through open cuts or sores and infect the bloodstream. Symptoms of a MRSA infection include chest pain, chills, cough, fatigue, fever, headache, muscle aches, rash and shortness of breath. Since MRSA has become resistant to most types of antibiotics, hospitalization is usually required when an individual becomes infected, according to Medline Plus. MRSA blood infections are associated with high risk of death and the risk increases in those who have compromised immune systems or poor overall health.
