In Rare Cases Bacterial Infections Can Cause Acute Lymphangitis

Acute lymphangitis is a bacterial infection of the lymphatic system. It is characterized painful red streaks below the surface of the skin. This is a potentially serious infection that can quickly spread into the bloodstream and can be fatal. Acute lymphangitis attacks the lymphatic system which is crucial in the body's immune capabilities. Organisms such as bacteria or viruses, are processed in the lymph nodes to generate an immune response to fight infections.

In acute lymphangitis, bacteria enter the body through cuts, insect bites, skin lesions, or other wounds. Once the bacteria enter into the lymphatic system they can multiply and quickly spread throughout the body, overwhelming the body's ability to respond. The lymphatic vessels become infected and turn red which makes them visible beneath the surface of the skin. If left untreated, the bacteria can begin to break down tissue in the area of infection. An abscess may form in the infected area. Bacteria in the bloodstream can result in septicemia, a very serious and potentially fatal condition.

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Acute lymphangitis is often caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. This potentially dangerous bacterium also causes sore throat, infections of the heart, spinal cord and lungs. Staphylococci can cause lymphangitis. Although anyone can develop lymphangitis, some people are more at risk (e.g. those who undergo a radical mastectomy, or those who undergo coronary bypass where a vein is taken from the leg).

The typical external symptoms of acute lymphangitis are the wide red streaks on the arms or legs. The affected areas are irritated, swollen and painful. Blisters can form on the affected skin. The bacterial infection can cause a high fever. In addition, muscle pain, headaches, chills and nausea are also experienced.

Lymphangitis is a very serious matter. If it is suspected, the person should call a doctor or go to the emergency room immediately, where trained medical personnel can assess, based on symptoms, whether the patient has acute lymphangitis. Once diagnosed it is critical to have a blood test to determine the extent of the infection and whether the bacteria have entered the bloodstream. A biopsy of the infected tissue can be used to see what caused the bacterial infection.

Because of the seriousness of this infection, the treatment is started immediately, even before the bacterial culture results come in. The only way to treat acute lymphangitis is very large doses of antibiotics intravenously. Penicillin is usually very effective in combating the spreading bacteria while the antibiotic clindamycin is used to treat to streptococci which may not be active but in the resting phase.

Full recovery is expected if antibiotic treatment is started at an early stage of infection. However, if left untreated, acute lymphangitis can be fatal. Acute lymphangitis that left untreated can spread and cause significant tissue damage. Extensive tissue damage would have to be repaired by plastic surgery.

In Rare Cases Bacterial Infections Can Cause Acute Lymphangitis

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