JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

Abstract

Gram negative bacterial infection is the most common cause of sepsis and related syndromes. Polymicrobial etiology of sepsis is also known. Blood cultures yield bacteria or fungi in only 20-40% of cases of severe sepsis and in 40 -70% of cases of septic shock. Blood cultures should be given prime importance in identifying the nature & in determining the possible source of infection. Cultures are of extreme importance in identifying the source of infection, more so in Geriatric population & immunocompromised patient. The importance of blood culture in identifying & treating the causative agent in cases with varied presentation is explained in the case report. Importance of blood culture in determining the causative agent & in initiating appropriate antibiotic therapy to overcome drug resistance is of utmost importance.

key words: Blood culture, Diabetes, Immunocompromised.