Septicemia

Septicemia, condition of the blood, characterized by increasingly high levels of bacteria in the circulatory system, with resulting infection of tissues and organs. The term sepsis generally refers to the source of infection, but is sometimes also used to refer to the condition of septicemia. Bacteremia (blood poisoning), the presence of bacteria in the blood, precedes the onset of septicemia and, unlike septicemia, is not life-threatening. Bacteremia is often asymptomatic, and a problem may not be apparent until the development of septicemia. In septicemia, bacteria may enter the bloodstream from an infected area of the body or after an injury or surgical procedure. Once in the bloodstream, the bacteria begin to multiply rapidly, spreading toxins throughout the circulatory system. Septicemia is characterized by chills, fever, tachycardia (rapid heart rate), tachypnea (rapid breathing), and a high white-blood-cell count. If septicemia is left untreated, septic shock, or sepsis syndrome, may ensue, a potentially fatal condition characterized by a dramatic drop in blood pressure, and damage to or failure of various organs, particularly the kidneys, heart, and lungs. Septicemia is more likely to occur in people who suffer from immunodeficiency (see Immune System). The condition is treated with appropriate antibiotics. See also Toxemia; Toxic Shock Syndrome.