Symptoms of septicemia are fever (usually quite high), chills, low blood pressure, confusion, and rash; it often results in multiple organ failure if not treated promptly with antibiotics. The diagnosis can be confirmed with blood cultures for the organism or with blood tests for antibodies or high levels of white blood cells.
See also toxemia; toxic shock syndrome.
Invasion of the bloodstream, after surgery or infectious disease, by microorganisms—typically gram-negative (see gram stain) bacteria—and the toxins they release. The latter trigger immune responses and widespread coagulation in blood vessels. High fever, chills, weakness, and sweating are followed by a drop in blood pressure. Multiple infections are often present, requiring broad-spectrum antibiotics as well as drainage of foci of infection. Without immediate treatment, septic shock follows, with a mortality rate over 50percnt. Invasive technology and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospitals have made septicemia more severe and more common. Seealso bacteremia.
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