Bacteremia can have several important health consequences. Immune responses to the bacteria can cause sepsis and septic shock, which, particularly if severe sepsis and then septic shock occurs, have high mortality rates, especially if not treated quickly (though, if treated early, currently mild sepsis can usually be dealt with successfully).[6] Bacteria can also spread via the blood to other parts of the body (which is called hematogenous spread), causing infections away from the original site of infection, such as endocarditis or osteomyelitis.[citation needed] Treatment for bacteremia is with antibiotics, and prevention with antibiotic prophylaxis can be given in high risk situations.[7]
^Perez-Chaparro, P. J.; Meuric, V.; De Mello, G.; Bonnaure-Mallet, M. (2011-11-01). "[Bacteremia of oral origin]". Revue de Stomatologie et de Chirurgie Maxillo-Faciale. 112 (5): 300–303. doi:10.1016/j.stomax.2011.08.012. ISSN1776-257X. PMID21940028.