In vertebrate animals, blood is made up of red blood cells that carry oxygen to tissues throughout the body. The cells flow through the body in blood plasma, which is composed mostly of water, but also includes minerals and nutrients for the blood cells to stay viable. Blood also includes white blood cells, which help to fight infections around the body. Disease can affect the blood as with many other types of cells.
Genetic Disorders
Red blood cell production occurs in bone marrow throughout the body. As a part of the red blood cells, a molecule of hemoglobin is attached to each red blood cell. The hemoglobin allows attachment of elemental iron from the diet, which in turns aids in producing energy that allows cells to survive and carry out metabolic functions. Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes the blood cells to carry too much iron to the tissues of the body. The excess iron can damage the tissue over time, and in some cases results in total organ failure of the afflicted tissues. According to Cleveland Clinic, hemochromatosis is one of the most common genetic disorders in the United States. Other types of genetic disorders relating to blood cells are hemophilia and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, both of which reduce platelets and blood clotting efficiency.
Infections
Infections that occur in the blood, also known as sepsis, are dangerous conditions that can be difficult to control as the infection spreads. Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, is a type of bacteria that can be difficult to kill. By name, it is resistant to methicillin, and in some cases has resistance to other types of common antibiotics. This resistance enables the bacteria to take strong root in the host in some cases, and eventually infect the blood. The website Medline Plus notes that organ failure and death can result from MRSA infections that lead to sepsis. Other types of bacteria can also infect the blood, but often have reduced resistance to antibiotics and, thus, are easier to treat.
Blood Transfusions
In situations where disease in blood cells, or blood cell producing parts of the body are rampant, a blood transfusion can aid in recovery. Blood transfusions replace the diseased blood with healthy blood that can function in compatibility with the patients body, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Conditions requiring blood transfusions include infections targeting the liver, kidney disease, cancer and bleeding disorders such as hemophilia.
Other Treatment
In cases where red blood cell production is low, erythropoietin can aid in producing red blood cells. In cases where bacterial infection in the blood is non-aggressive, intravenous antibiotics can kill the bacteria.
Prevention
While prevention of genetic disorders is often not feasible, recognizing their presence can help the afflicted individual to lead a normal life. The best course of prevention for blood cell infections is often recognizing the infection, and treating it before it can penetrate into the blood.
