SEPTICAEMIA -
Noun: Rapid multiplication of bacteria and the presence of bacterial toxins in the blood. It is a condition commonly known as blood poisoning. Septicaemia is always serious and a potentially life threatening condition.

Septicaemia usually arises through escape of bacteria from some infection somewhere in the body such as a urinary tract infection, intestinal infections or abscess. Septicaemia is more likely in people whose natural resistance to infection has been lowered by an immunodeficiency disorder or by immunosuppressive drugs allowing bacteria to multiply unchecked. One is at risk of Septicaemia if their neutrophil count less than 5 and even more at risk once they have had the ALG / ATG treatment. Cyclosporin is another immunosuppressive drug which puts one at greater risk as does the Cyclophosphamide used for the bone marrow transplant . If you fit into any of these categories, you must rigorously follow the Clean Diet and Hygiene rules and ensure you do not get any cuts. Once the bacteria has penetrated your skin, there really is no defence for it apart from another stay at the hospital and some period of time in isolation on antibiotics.

A person with septicaemia develops high fever, chills, rapid breathing, headache, and, in many cases, clouding of consciousness. Skin rashes or jaundice may occur.

Once the diagnosis of septicaemia is confirmed, the infective bacteria will be identified from a blood sample and antibiotic drugs will be given intravenously by infusion or injection. Provided the infection is recognised and treated promply before the development of complications, most patients make a full recovery.

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