Bloodstream infections can occur in both children and adults. The age groups that need monitoring are children under 2 years old and adults over 65 years old because they have a higher chance of severe bloodstream infections compared to other ages.
What causes “bloodstream infections”?
Bloodstream infections in children may be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. The pathogens usually reside in various organs of the body and the surrounding environment without causing disease, such as in the nasal cavity, throat, and skin. However, when the body is weakened, these pathogens can enter the body and cause infection.
In general, infections can occur in various organs, such as respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal infections, and sometimes there is no clear site of infection. If these infections are severe, the pathogens can enter the bloodstream and cause bloodstream infections as well. This is accompanied by abnormal vital signs, and when abnormal white blood cell counts are detected, this condition is called Sepsis. In cases where pathogens enter the bloodstream, it is called Septicemia.
What symptoms may result from bloodstream infections?
- High fever, especially above 38.5 degrees Celsius; in young children, the temperature may be lower than normal
- Rapid breathing, shortness of breath, abnormally fast heart rate
- Children may become lethargic, play less, be less cheerful, have mottled skin, eat or drink less, and urinate less
Treatment guidelines for bloodstream infections
Bloodstream infections are severe conditions, especially in children, who may develop complications such as meningitis, kidney failure, or dysfunction of various organs. Without prompt treatment, it can lead to shock and death.
About 30% of patients with bloodstream infections cannot have the causative pathogen identified. When a doctor diagnoses or suspects a child has a bloodstream infection, antibiotics covering the likely pathogens will be administered intravenously immediately, and blood cultures will be taken to identify the cause of the infection. The culture process takes about 48-72 hours. After the culture results are known, the doctor will adjust the antibiotics to best target the identified pathogen.
Prevention of bloodstream infections in children
- Maintain cleanliness and hygiene of the child, such as teaching children to wash their hands frequently before eating or after touching objects
- Avoid crowded community areas and avoid people who are sick
- Some bacterial infections can be prevented or their severity reduced by vaccination, such as Hib vaccine or IPD vaccine
