Septicaemia

Septicaemia is a generalised infection in the body caused by pathogenic bacterial micro-orgasms.

Causes of septicaemia

Septicaemia develops following an untreated or incorrectly treated primary infection. Bacteria are released regularly into the blood from a focus of infection which may be in the tooth, vein, uterus, urinary tract, heart or lung.

Symptoms of septicaemia

Septicaemia is defined when a bacterial infection is found in blood (bacteraemia) and some of the following symptoms are present:

• temperature over 38°C or under 36°C;
• tachycardia;
• severe fall in blood pressure;
• high respiratory rate (over 20 per minute);
• fatigue.

Risks of septicaemia

Untreated, septicaemia may lead to secondary foci of infection. Septicaemia may progress to septic shock involving a sudden severe fall in blood pressure, shivering and tachycardia. 40 - 50% of these cases are then fatal.

Treatment of septicaemia

Antibiotics are required to kill or prevent the spread of bacteria. A broad spectrum antibiotic is used initially and after microbiological tests, the most appropriate specific antibiotic is identified.