Bacteraemia

Exam Cram

• Bacteraemia definition: bacteria in blood stream

• Bacteraemia + organ dysfunction = sepsis

• Management: 

  • 1. Repeat Blood cultures & await sensitivities

    2. At least 4 days of IV antibiotics + 3-10 days of oral

Bacteraemia

Classified by organism

Staph Aureus bacteraemia (SAB) Management

• Repeat blood cultures

• Penicillin e.g. amoxicillin, flucloxacillin & await sensitivities

• ECHO- Infective Endocarditis 

• Review for any sources of infection: lines, skin/ soft tissue

Resources and References

Written 2025