[Change of form of septicaemic diseases (author's transl)]

As to pathogens causing septicaemic diseases, the era of antibiotics has brought about a shift from gram-positive cocci to gram-negative rod-shaped bacilli. 628 septicaemic infections verified by haemocultures were evaluated from January 1, 1960 until March 31, 1975. Septicaemic complications in haemodialyses originated either from infections of the shunt or of the dialytic system, or septicaemia occurred as a result of infusion. In 110 patients presenting myeloid insufficiency, the pathogen ranking first was Pseudomonas aeruginosa, followed by E. coli and Klebsiellae. The entire spectrum of facultatively pathogenic bacteria is capable of causing septicaemic complications in myeloid insufficiency. Postoperative endocarditis may be particularly serious and problematical.