316 Chapter 13
Common Disease, Disorder, or ConditionDisorders of The Blood continuedSepticemia^
Septicemia, also known as blood poisoning, is caused by an infection of microorgan-
isms and their toxins in the blood. These toxins cause a decrease in blood pressure,
referred to as septic shock, and can lead to death.
Malaria^
Malaria is caused by the injection of a protozoan, Plasmodium, by a female - Anopheles
mosquito. The microorganism spends part of its life cycle in the erythro-cytes,
eventually destroying them. Chills and fever are produced by toxins released when the
RBCs rupture.
Infectious Mononucleosis^
Infectious mononucleosis (in-FEK-shus mon-oh-noo-klee-OH-sis), also known as
mono, is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, which infects B lymphocytes and the
salivary glands. The virus alters the lymphocytes, causing the immune system to
destroy them. Symptoms include sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and fever.
Thrombocytopenia^
Thrombocytopenia (THROM-bo-SIGH-to-PEA-knee-ah) is a serious decrease in the
number of thrombocytes or blood platelets. Platelets can be destroyed by an auto-
immune disease, a genetic disorder that produces less platelets, radiation and drug
therapies, or infections. The condition results in long-term bleeding of capillaries and
other small vessels like arterioles and venules. It is the most common cause of bleeding
disorders.
Erythrocytosis^
Erythrocytosis (ee-RITH-ro-sigh-TOE-sis) is caused by an excessive amount of red
blood cells. It is also called polycythemia. It can be caused by a defect in stem cell
production, decreased plasma volume due to dehydration, or by chronic exposure to
high altitudes. It can result in reduced blood flow, clogging of the capillaries, and
increased thickness of the blood. These conditions can lead to hypertension or high
blood pressure.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning^
Carbon monoxide poisoning can develop from working in places that accumulate
large amounts of exhaust from combustion engines such as automobile engines. Thus,
em-ployment in parking garages, tunnels, and tollbooths can lead to this condition. In
addition, a defective furnace in a home can produce excessive amounts of carbon
monoxide (CO) gas. This is why we utilize carbon monoxide detectors in our homes.
The CO binds to the iron atoms in the hemoglobin of a red blood cell producing- car-
boxyhemoglobin. This prevents the red blood cell from binding to oxygen gas and thus
it does not transport oxygen to tissue cells and death can result.