Definition: Bacteremia is an infection of the blood stream caused by bacteria. Bacteremia typically starts with a small, localized infection, such as an infected incision, a urinary tract infection or another type of infection. When this infection spreads to the blood stream, it becomes bacteremia.
Commonly known as sepsis, the infection can be life-threatening and must be treated very aggressively with antibiotics. Unlike most infections, bacteremia spreads through the entire body, causing the patient to become seriously ill.
In cases where the condition progresses to septic shock, the patient will need medications to increase blood pressure, IV antibiotics, fluids and possibly a ventilator to assist with breathing.
Also Known As: septicemia, sepsis, septic shock, blood poisoning, bacteria in the blood,
Alternate Spellings: bacteraemia
Common Misspellings: backteremia, bacteremea,
Examples:
The doctor explained that bacteremia is very serious and the patient would be moved to the ICU for treatment.
