Microbiology, 2021

1062 25 • Circulatory and Lymphatic System Infections
media and pseudojournalism. Health professionals should discourage patients from resorting to any of the
following methods, which are NOT recommended:
• using chemicals (e.g., petroleum jelly or fingernail polish) to dislodge an attached tick, because it can
cause the tick to release fluid, which can increase the chance of infection
• using hot objects (matches or cigarette butts) to dislodge an attached tick
• squeezing the tick's body with fingers or tweezers
Figure 25.17 (a) This black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick, has not yet attached to the skin. (b) A notched tick extractor can be
used for removal. (c) To remove an attached tick with fine-tipped tweezers, pull gently on the mouth parts until the tick releases its hold on
the skin. Avoid squeezing the tick’s body, because this could release pathogens and thus increase the risk of contracting Lyme disease.
(credit a: modification of work by Jerry Kirkhart; credit c: modification of work by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Disease Profile
Bacterial Infections of the Circulatory and Lymphatic Systems
Although the circulatory system is a closed system, bacteria can enter the bloodstream through several
routes. Wounds, animal bites, or other breaks in the skin and mucous membranes can result in the rapid
dissemination of bacterial pathogens throughout the body. Localized infections may also spread to the
bloodstream, causing serious and often fatal systemic infections. Figure 25.18 and Figure 25.19
summarize the major characteristics of bacterial infections of the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Access for free at openstax.org.