Bacterial blood infection is a condition, wherein the blood stream of a human is infected by pathogens and toxins causing life-threatening complications. This article provides some information about the various types of bacterial infections and their causes.
Bacteria are microscopic, single-celled living organisms, which are found in all possible locations of this planet. Bacteria are of different kinds and they dwell in soil, water, and deep within the earth’s crust. Some bacteria have also been reported to survive and multiply in radioactive waste. Bacteria also affect humans on a large-scale, they survive on their skin and inside their body. Bacteria are of two types – good and bad. The good ones are harmless and they help the body fight against diseases and the bad ones cause infection.
Bacterial blood infection in general is called bacteremia and is further classified by its effect on various body parts. It is a leading cause of death, but no one still knows for sure how and why does it happen. This infection turns deadly for people experiencing other ailments such as cancer and people having weak immune systems.
Types of Bacterial Blood Infection
Sepsis
It is one of the most common bacterial infection disease that affects humans. Sepsis is born as a result of the body’s natural mechanism. When there is harmful bacteria in the bloodstream, the temperature of the body increases and one would also experience a burning sensation. Sepsis mainly occurs when the inflammation spreads to the various parts of the body from its origin. This burning feeling can cause tissue damage all over the body causing blood clots and a significant drop in blood pressure of the body. The final stage of this infection is called a septic shock and it can cause death.
Staph
Staph occurs due to the entry of Staphylococcus bacteria in the human body. In majority of the cases, these bacteria cause minor fever, however, if it gets involved in human bloodstream, it becomes life-threatening. If not treated immediately staph infection can cause irreparable damage to the internal organs. Toxic shock is also a type of staph infection.
Endocarditis
Endocarditis takes place when bacteria travels through the bloodstream to the heart and if medical care is not immediately given, it may cause death. It also causes elevated heartbeat and in worst cases heart failure. Blood carries the endocarditis bacteria to various parts of the body and disrupts their functioning.
Strep B
Streptococcus is classified in two groups simply Group A and Group B. The difference between these two groups is that the streptococcus bacteria in Group B has a special carbohydrate that Group A lacks. Strep B is a common infection in newborns. Strep B can be prevented by antibiotics, though pregnant women, children, and elderly can contract Strep B, if they have other illnesses.
E. coli
E. coli is a type of bacterial infection that occurs in intestines. If it spreads into the bloodstream, it can cause various health complications.
Causes
There are various causes of bacterial infection, though in most cases harmful bacteria is considered as the prime cause. Bacterial infections happen to people who have low immunity. In some cases, fungi and viruses are considered as primitive causes. Different microbes can also cause blood infections. Infections in lungs due to pneumonia, bladder, and kidney ailments can also cause various types of bacterial infections. In some cases, blood infections can also be caused due to surgical procedures.
Symptoms
If a person is affected by a bacterial infection, he/she will have regular fever. Body temperature may be at extreme high or extreme low. The affected person may also have severe chills and shaking. One would have an elevated heartbeat and rapid breathing. Blackouts, blurred vision, confusion, rage, and decrease in urination are some of the common symptoms. People who are affected by sepsis develop redness on various parts of the body. They also get rashes which can be in the form of bright red spots.
Bacterial Blood Infection in Children
In recent times, cases of such infections in children have observed a rise. Children have a developing immune system. As their immune system is not fully grown, children fall prey to the various infections all around them. Some kids are born with some disorder or dangerous disease, such conditions increase the chances of blood infection even more. The most common type of blood infection is sepsis, which happens to young kids.
The common symptoms are regular fever and infants having high body temperature. Children have to be treated with antibiotics and have to be kept under observation in the hospital. Sepsis is one of the most common blood infection type found in kids. It becomes difficult to detect, as the symptoms are not recognizable, until its final stage.
It is very important that proper medical care and guidance is sought in blood infection cases, so as to avoid any further complications.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
