Bacteremia Can Be a Serious Health Problem

Abstract
Bacteremia means the penetration of bacteria into the bloodstream. It can occur spontaneously, due to the introduction of urinary or IV catheters or after dental procedures or procedures on the digestive and urogenital system, wound care or other procedures. Bacteremia can cause metastatic infections, including endocarditis, especially in people with heart valve disease. Transient bacteremia is often asymptomatic, but can cause fever. The appearance of other symptoms usually indicates a more severe infection, such as sepsis or septic shock. Patients with certain heart diseases should receive antibiotic prophylaxis before the procedure, which can cause significant bacteremia. Bacteremia may be transient and cause no consequence, or it may cause metastatic and systemic consequence.