What Does it Mean When a Doctor Tells You That Your Blood Is Contaminated?

Blood contamination can mean a number of different things depending on the vector that caused the contamination. There are common contaminants that can be associated with blood and blood disorders. It is most likely that a diagnosis of contaminated blood is related to a viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic infection. Sepsis is a condition in which there is a massive amount of infection in the bloodstream that causes a systemic inflammation of bodily tissues.

Viral Blood Infection

• Viruses do not respond to antibiotic therapy.

  A virus is a tiny pathogen that depends on a host for survival and propagation. Viruses seldom live long outside the body, but they can reactivate when introduced into a host subject. Common viruses that are bloodborne include the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B and C. Viral blood infections can be acquired through sexual means, as well as through intravenous (IV) drug use. Antiviral drug therapy is used to combat viral infection.

Bacterial Blood Infection

• Bacteria can be helpful in certain cases. In other cases, death can ensue.

  A bacterium is a tiny microorganism that does not depend on a host for survival and propagation. The human body hosts common bacteria in the intestines, on the skin and in the genitourinary system that is beneficial. However, some bacterial strains can cause life-threatening infection. Tetanus, streptococcus and staphylococcus are three forms of bacteria that can infect the body through the circulatory system. Unlike viruses, bacterial infections respond well to the use of antibiotic therapies.

Fungal Blood Infection

• Fungacidal medications are used to treat mycotic infections.

  Fungal infection is referred to as a mycotic infection. Mycosis results when a fungal infection develops in the body, usually through a weakened or compromised immune system. Therefore mycotic infections are known as opportunistic infections because they would not occur if the immune system was strong enough to fend them off. Thrush, yeast and mold infections are three forms of mycoses that can propagate through blood infection. Anti-fungal medications are used to treat mycotic infections.

Parasitic Blood Infection

• Mosquitoes are one set of vectors that can transmit paracitic infections.

  A parasitic disease is a disease caused by a parasite. Parasites can be the direct cause of an illness, or a parasitic illness can be caused by toxins released by a parasite as it is hosted in the body. Parasites are carried by ticks, mosquitoes, flies and certain worms. Generally speaking, parasitic worm infections occur after eating contaminated foodstuffs. Parasitic infection is treated through the administration of parasiticidal drugs that either kill the parasite or render it unable to reproduce.

Sepsis and Septicemia

• People with advanced septicemia are said to be 'circling the drain' because death can occur in a short amount of time.

  Sepsis occurs when there is a huge amount of pathogen in the bloodstream, which causes a systemic inflammatory response known as septicemia. Sepsis is a true medical emergency that can kill the sufferer by causing multi-system failure of organs and the inability of the body to return to a homeostatic state without the intervention of antibiotic drug therapy and, in severe cases, intervention through kidney dialysis, mechanical ventilation or amputation of a septic extremity.