Massive bloodstream infections on the rise, study says

ATLANTA - A bloodstream infection known as sepsis is increasing at a rapid rate in the United States. <br> <br> A 20-year study found the rate of sepsis infections rose an average of 16 percent a year from 1979 to 1999 -- the latest year for which statistics are available. The total increase for the two-decade period was 329 percent <br> <br> Researchers say the rise is probably because doctors are becoming more adept at diagnosing the infections. The infections are also becoming harder to fight because an overuse of antibiotics is creating drug-resistant germs. <br> <br> Sepsis sets off a chemical reaction that cripples the body&#39;s ability to break up blood clots. It can be a complication of trauma, surgery or many illnesses. <br> <br> The infection kills about 225,000 Americans a year and accounts for about $15 billion in health care costs each year.