How does blood infected with bacteria differ from healthy blood?
Blood infected with bacteria differs from healthy blood in several key ways:
1. Presence of Bacteria: The primary difference between infected and healthy blood is the presence of bacteria within the bloodstream. These bacteria can be introduced through various means, such as bacterial infections, open wounds, or medical procedures.
2. Increased White Blood Cell Count: In response to a bacterial infection, the body's immune system mounts a defense by producing and releasing white blood cells, particularly neutrophils and monocytes. These cells help fight the infection by engulfing and destroying bacteria. As a result, infected blood typically shows an elevated white blood cell count, also known as leukocytosis.
3. C-Reactive Protein: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation and infection. In bacterial infections, CRP levels tend to increase significantly, serving as a marker for the presence and severity of infection.
4. Procalcitonin: Procalcitonin is another protein that can be used as a biomarker for bacterial infection. It is produced by the thyroid gland and its levels rise rapidly in response to bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Gram-negative bacteria.
5. Blood Culture: A blood culture test is performed to confirm the presence of bacteria in the blood. A blood sample is collected and placed in a culture medium that allows bacteria to grow. If bacteria are present, they will multiply and become visible after an incubation period, helping to identify the specific type of infection.
6. Color and Appearance: In some cases, infected blood may exhibit changes in color or appearance. Severe bacterial infections can cause blood to appear darker or cloudy due to the presence of bacteria, immune cells, and inflammatory substances.
7. Fever: Bacterial infections often lead to fever, which is a natural response of the body to fight the infection. Elevated body temperatures can indicate the presence of an underlying bacterial infection.
8. Inflammatory Markers: Other inflammatory markers, such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, may also increase in response to bacterial infections, indicating the presence of inflammation and immune activation.
It's important to note that the specific changes in infected blood can vary depending on the type of bacteria, the severity of the infection, and the individual's immune response.