What are bacteremia and septicemia?

The presence of bacteria in the blood stream is known as bacteremia or septicemia. However, there is a difference between the two. Bacteremia is just the simple presence of bacteria in the blood and Septicemia is the blood poisoning caused by the presence and multiplication of the bacteria in the blood. Septicemia is dangerous and life-threatening than bacteremia. 

Similarity

Both are the infections caused by the bacterial presence.

Bacteremia 

Bacteremia in the strictest sense, is an infection in the blood caused by the bacteria or it is the presence of viable bacteria in the bloodstream. It is not dangerous and usually does not require any treatment. The body’ immune system clears it off.

Septicemia

It is a life-threatening infection or complication caused by the entry and multiplication of bacteria in the bloodstream. It is also termed as ‘blood poisoning’. 

Difference between bacteremia and septicemia?

Definition

Bacteremia 

Curable bacterial infection in the blood stream – as harmless as vigorous tooth brushing. A small number of bacteria are noticed in this case removed by the body on its own. Occasionally, bacteremia progresses to dangerous infection called septicemia and sepsis. 

Septicemia

The presence of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome with an identifiable infection source. It is a clinical name for blood poisoning.

Symptoms

Bacteremia 

Cases in this case are asymptomatic. People with stronger immune system will clear the bacterial without you even realizing it. 

Septicemia

Symptoms include;

• Breathlessness or breathing very fast
• Fever and chills
• Very low body temperature
• Difficulty in breathing (grunting noises)
• Peeing less than usual
• Mental confusion
• Fast heartbeat
• Nausea and vomiting
• Flushing
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Inadequate blood flow
• Fatigue or weakness
• Shock
• Blotchy, pale or discolored skin

Types

Bacteremia 

Types of bacteremia;

Extravascular – via the lymphatics (Those that result from bacteria entering the blood circulation through the lymphatic system from another site of infection). Most cases are a result of extravascular infection.

Intravascular – i.e CVC infections (Endocarditis, Mycotic aneurism, Suppurative thrombophlebitis, intravenous catheter-associated bacteremia)

Types of bacteremia;

Transient – Disruption of mucosal surfaces (dental or surgical procedures)

Intermittent – Associated with abscesses 

Continuous – Infective endocarditis

Septicemia

The 3 types of sepsis are: sepsis (serious complication of an infection), severe sepsis associated with organ dysfunction, hypoperfusion, or hypotension), and septic shock (infection causing organ failure). 

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Bacteremia 

This is diagnosed by blood culture test. Sample of blood is sent to lab and tested for bacterial presence. 

Diagnosis of Septicemia

• Tests on multiple types of fluids to diagnose a bacterial infection. These fluids could be;

• Blood
• Skin sores and wound secretions 
• Urine
• respiratory secretions

• Your health practitioner may also look at your oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood to check your breathing problems
• If infection is not diagnosed by above mentioned ways, then other ways can be adopted like: 

• X-ray
• MRI
• CT scan
• Ultrasound

Type of infection

Bacteremia types 

Some ways in which bacteremia happens include:

• Dental procedures like tooth extraction, root canal, surgery
• Infection that progresses into the bloodstream via dwelling catheters, medical devices, and breathing tubes
• By burns and severe injuries 

Septicemia types

Both bacterial, viral or fungal infection can result in septicemia. These are usually infections of: 

• Pneumonia (Lung infection)
• Infection of the digestive system
• Infection of the kidney, bladder and other regions in the urinary system
• Infection of the bloodstream (bacteremia)
• Infection of the catheter sites
• Burns or wounds 

Causes

Causes of Bacteremia

Caused by Clostridium difficile, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Hemophilus, E. coli, herpes, urinary tract infections, Streptococcus, peritonitis, 

Causes of Septicemia

Staphylococci, are thought to cause more than fifty percent of cases of sepsis. Other bacteria include Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pyogenes, Klebsiella species, Escherichia coli, and even Candida sp.

Summary

The points of difference between Bacteremia and Septicemia have been summarized as below:

FAQ 

When does bacteremia progress to septicemia?

When immune response systems decline or become overwhelmed, bacteremia and infection progress to the bloodstream and it becomes a bloodstream infection that can evolve into several clinical manifestations and is recognized as septicemia.

What is difference between sepsis and septicemia?

Septicemia occurs when there is bacterial infection entering the bloodstream. This infection is also termed as blood poisoning and the body’s most extreme response to this infection triggers sepsis. Sepsis is a dangerous and life-threatening condition that can result in damage to the body tissues, multiple organ failure and even death.

Does bacteremia equal sepsis?

No, bacteremia is not a perquisite component resulting in the inflammatory response that causes sepsis

What are the 3 stages of sepsis?

The 3 stages of sepsis are: sepsis (serious complication of an infection), severe sepsis associated with organ dysfunction, hypoperfusion, or hypotension), and septic shock (infection causing organ failure). 

Can you have septicemia without bacteremia?

No, that is not possible. Septicemia is caused when bacteria find its way into the blood stream and bacteremia becomes a bloodstream infection due to failure of immune response mechanisms. 

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