Bloodstream Infection (BSI)

Bloodstream infections, or BSIs, are infectious diseases in the bloodstream that elicit an inflammatory response. BSIs are demonstrated by the positivity of one or more blood cultures.

Three types of microorganisms are known to cause BSIs:

  • Bacteria
  • Viruses
  • Fungi

Depending on the type of bloodstream infection, it is treatable with either antibiotics, antiviral medications, or antifungal drugs. There are other factors to look at, such as age, severity, health issues, and so on, so it is treated on a case-by-case basis.

Blood infections can lead to blood poisoning, also known as sepsis. Sepsis is a dangerous condition that could result from infection in one body part spreading through the blood and affecting the whole body.