Definition:
Bacteremia refers to the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream. This occurs when there is a break in the body's natural barrier, usually for two reasons:
- Trauma, like dental work
- Worsening bacterial infection
Transient Bacteremia
Dental work is a cause of mild bacteremia. When someone gets dental work, bacteria in the mouth can get into the bloodstream through tiny breaks in the gums. This bacteremia doesn't usually last long because the number of bacteria involved is small enough that the immune system can kill them quickly. Someone who has an artificial valve in their heart has to take antibiotics before and during dental work because the bacteria can "stick" to a foreign object and cause significant damage.Bacteremia From Infection
A more serious type of bacteremia is caused by an infection somewhere in the body that gets bad enough that the bacteria are able to invade the blood vessels and get into the blood stream. Certain skin infections are more likely than others to cause bacteremia. For example, a cellulitis or carbuncle would be more likely to cause bacteremia than hot tub folliculitis or erythrasma.Sources:
"Bacteremia." Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary, 31st Ed. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2007. 193.
"Bacteremia." Stedman's Medical Dictionary, 28th Ed. Baltimore: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006. 195.
Munford, Gerald. “Sepsis, Severe Sepsis, and Septic Shock.” Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Disease, 6th Ed. Ed. John Bennett, Gerald Mandell, Rapheal Dolin. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Elsiever, 2005. 912-3.
Pronunciation: back-tir-EE-mee-uh • (noun)
