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septicemia
Circulation of infective bacteria and leukocytes (white blood cells) responding to them in the blood. Bacteria may transiently enter the blood normally but these are removed by the reticulo-endothelial system. If this system fails and bacteria continue to circulate, their products and those of the white cells initiate a series of reactions that lead to shock, with warm extremities, fever, or hypothermia. Septic embolism may occur causing widespread abscesses. Gram-negative bacteria (usually from the urinary or gastrointestinal tract) and staphylococcus cause severe septicemia. Treatments includes antibiotics and resuscitative measures for shock.
Related category
• HEALTH AND DISEASE
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