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Diagnosis |
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By: Andrew Chung The disease Sepsis is defined as a poisoned state caused by the absorption of pathogenic microorganisms and their products into the bloodstream. When diagnosing sepsis, the faster the identification of bacteremia, which is the presence of some form of bacteria in the bloodstream, the better the outcome from the disease is. Although the most common bacteria that cause sepsis are gram-positive (Form of Staphylococci and Streptococci), it is not uncommon for it to be caused by gram-negative bacteria also (Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Sepsis should not be ruled out for any patient with an infection anywhere in the body, which causes sudden development of a fever. The first crucial step in diagnosis of sepsis is isolation of bacteria. This is usually accomplished by gram-staining cultures, which can take a few days for the data to be accurately obtained. Bacteria from blood cultures, however, may not grow due to the patient taking antibiotics. Therefore, cultures are also taken from sputum, urine, and wounds. The infection of blood in septic patients is often caused by bacterial transfer from the intestines. It can also be caused by infection in the lungs, abdomen, urinary tract, and skin. Noscomial infections from surgery, inserting intravenous catheters, urinary catheters, and drain tubes are also common causes of sepsis. The longer the catheters and tubes are left in the patient the greater risk the patient has for developing the disease. Prevention of developing Sepsis
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Gram Positive Cocci in clusters (Staphylococci)
Gram Positive Cocci in rows (Streptococci)
Gram Negative Rods (Pseudomonas) (Pseudomonas) |
