: Activities that cause small breaks in the skin or mucous membranes, such as flossing or minor cuts.
Bacteraemia itself may be asymptomatic (transient bacteremia), but if it progresses to a systemic infection, symptoms often include: High fever and shaking chills (rigors). Rapid heart rate (tachycardia) and rapid breathing. Confusion or altered mental status. bacteriaemia
: Localized infections like pneumonia , urinary tract infections (UTIs), and cellulitis can spread to the blood. : Activities that cause small breaks in the
: Reusing or sharing needles for illicit drug use. Symptoms and Diagnosis Confusion or altered mental status
Bacteria can enter the bloodstream through various "entry points" or underlying infections:
These terms are related but have distinct clinical meanings:
: Surgeries, dental work, or the insertion of medical devices like urinary catheters or central venous lines.