Transient Bacteremia Associated with Sigmoidoscopy

Abstract

THE phenomenon of transient bacteremia in human beings has been recognized for many years.¹ It is well known that transient bacteremia may be induced by gingival or dental manipulation,^{2 , 3} by urologic instrumentation⁴ and by massage of such loci as infected tonsils, boils and carbuncles.⁵ It has been reported^{6 , 7} that sigmoidoscopy is not associated with bacteremia. Recent experience in this laboratory is in conflict with published studies, and suggests not only that transient bacteremia may follow sigmoidoscopic examinations but also that the bacteremia so induced has definable quantitative and temporal characteristics.MethodsSubjectsTwo hundred patients, hospitalized for diverse reasons at . . .