Also known as blood poisoning, septicemia is a type of bloodstream infection which occurs when a bacterial infection in the skin or lungs reaches the bloodstream. The bacteria and its toxins spread all over the body through the bloodstream, causing dangerous consequences.
There are various types of bloodstream infections such as central venous catheter-associated bloodstream infections, focal infections including abscesses, primary bacteremia, infective endocarditis, osteomyelitis, urinary tract infections, etc. Bacteria from all these infections may enter the bloodstream and rapidly multiply, showing immediate signs of infection. Secondary infections occurring from burns or wounds and others while staying in the hospital may develop the risk of septicemia.
