General pathogenesis and Prevention Bacteremia is diagnosed by culturing the blood for bacteria. Samples may need to be tested several times over several hours. blood analysis may also reveal an elevated number of white blood cells. Blood pressure is monitored closely:a decline in blood pressure may indicate the onset of septic shock Bacteremia may cause no symptoms, but may be discovered through a blood test for defects or whose immune systems are suppressed as those with heart valvet in another condition. In this situation, it may not need to be treated, except in patients especially at risk for infection, such Prognosis Prompt antibiotic therapy usually succeeds in clearing bacteria from the bloodstream. Recurrence may indicate an undiscovered site of infection. Untreated bacteria in the blood may spread, causing infection of the heart (endocarditis or pericarditis)or infection of the covering of the central nervous system (meningitis) Prevention Bacteremia can be prevented by preventing the infections which often precede it. developing bacterial infection. Treating bacterial infections quickly and p Good personal hygiene, especially during viral illness, may reduce the risk of thoroughly can minimize the risk of spreading infection. During medica duration of invasive procedures, to reduce patients' exposure to sources of and procedures, the burden falls on medical professionals to minimize the number bacteria when being treated, and to use scrupulous technique.General Pathogenesis and Prevention Bacteremia is diagnosed by culturing the blood for bacteria. Samples may need to be tested several times over several hours. Blood analysis may also reveal an elevated number of white blood cells. Blood pressure is monitored closely; a decline in blood pressure may indicate the onset of septic shock. Bacteremia may cause no symptoms, but may be discovered through a blood test for another condition. In this situation, it may not need to be treated, except in patients especially at risk for infection, such as those with heart valve defects or whose immune systems are suppressed Prompt antibiotic therapy usually succeeds in clearing bacteria from the bloodstream. Recurrence may indicate an undiscovered site of infection. Untreated bacteria in the blood may spread, causing infection of the heart (endocarditis or pericarditis) or infection of the covering of the central nervous system (meningitis). Bacteremia can be prevented by preventing the infections which often precede it. Good personal hygiene, especially during viral illness, may reduce the risk of developing bacterial infection. Treating bacterial infections quickly and thoroughly can minimize the risk of spreading infection. During medical procedures, the burden falls on medical professionals to minimize the number and duration of invasive procedures, to reduce patients' exposure to sources of bacteria when being treated, and to use scrupulous technique. • • • • Prognosis Prevention