Sepsis

Alternative names:

gram-negative bacteremia; gram-positive bacteremia

Definition:

A serious infection caused by bacteria that has entered a wound or body tissue that leads to the formation of pus, or to the spread of the bacteria in the blood

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Sepsis is a result of a bacterial infection that can originate anywhere in the body. Common sites are the genitourinary tract, the liver or biliary (liver secretion) tract, the gastrointestinal tract, and the lungs. Less common sites are intravenous lines, surgical wounds, surgical drains, and sites of skin breakdown known as decubitus ulcers or bedsores. The infection is usually confirmed by a positive blood culture. The infection can lead to shock, called septic shock. Low blood pressure and a change in mental status may be early-warning signs of shock.

There has recently been an increase in the occurance of sepsis caused by organisms that are resistant to most standard antibiotics.

Sepsis can be a life-threatening situation, especially in people with a weakened immune systems. The risk factors associated with sepsis include:

• recent bacterial pneumonia
• meningitis
• a urinary tract infection that does not respond to antibiotics
• osteomyelitis
• bacterial peritonitis
• a recent dental procedure
• a recent endoscopy procedure
• a recent cardiovascular procedure
• an indwelling urinary catheter
• a recent major surgery
• cellulitis
• a recent therapy with antibiotics

People whose immune systems are suppressed by therapies or by certain diseases are at higher risk for sepsis. The incidence is 2 out of 10,000 people.