What Causes Gemella Infection Leading To Sepsis?

Posted on Mon, 4 Jan 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 4 Jan 2016 Answered on

Thu, 21 Jan 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My husband recently got Gamella, a bacterial infection in his blood, which led to sepsis.
He was hospitalized several times for many conditions (heart, breathing and tia's). He is doing better now but we still don't know what caused this infection. How does one get this bug? Could it be in the water, or is it airborne? Are the other members of the household in danger of getting the same thing?

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Gemella is found in the oral cavity!

Detailed Answer:
HI and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this Gemella infections that your husband has had. This germ normally lives in the mucous membranes and causes no harm in most persons. However, in rare circumstances, this germ can get into blood and cause infections such as those of the heart and blood vessels. This is more common in persons whose health has been compromised by frequent ill state or certain medications. This is probably why it affected your husband. Other family members are safe and there is no reason for you to be so worried and concerned about this. You are not at danger getting the same infection.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be. Above all, thanks for using our services.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (30 minutes later)

So, it seems like he could have had it for quite a while. And, maybe it was dormant. What could have caused it to act up and trigger all of these other dangerous conditions? He was hospitalized several times because no one knew in the beginning what happened and he just kept getting worse. He is doing better now but is there a chance it could happen again? Can he do anything to help prevent it from coming back?

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Goo nutrition is all we need!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Like i said, this germ lives on/in us and causes no harm. It only causes harm when the immune system fails to adequately protect the body. This could be through other illnesses, drugs, poor nutrition, etc. I will suggest that he eats well. That is the most important way to stay strong. There are no vaccines and there are no other ways to avoid this.

I wish you and your husband well.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar