What is sepsis?
In this article, we will describe what is sepsis.
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is a serious complication of infection that can lead to severe illness and death. Sepsis is not caused by the infection itself. It is when the immune system reacts very strongly to the presence of infection. Some infections are more likely to lead to sepsis. For example, some bacteria have proteins on their cell wall and release toxins that can lead to a greater immune response.
Common causes of sepsis
Bacteria cause most cases of sepsis. But sepsis can also be a result of other infections, including viral infections, such as COVID-19 , influenza or fungal infections.
But it most commonly starts in the:
- Lungs (e.g. pneumonia)
- Urinary tract (e.g. UTI)
- Skin (e.g. cellulitis)
- Abdomen or pelvis
- Blood
- Brain (e.g. meningitis).
However, sometimes the specific infection and source of sepsis, can not be identified. Whatever the cause, without timely treatment, sepsis can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.
Is sepsis contagious?
Sepsis is the immune response to an infection. In this way you cannot spread sepsis to other people. But some bacteria that can cause sepsis can be spread to another person. But that does not mean they will get sepsis. They may get a mild illness.
Risk factors for sepsis
Anyone can develop sepsis, but some people are at higher risk for sepsis:
- Age 65+
- People with weakened immune systems
- People with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, lung disease, cancer, and chronic kidney disease
- People with a recent severe illness or hospitalisation
- Children younger than one.
Summary
We have described what is sepsis. We hope you have found it helpful.
Other resources
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Last Reviewed on 1 May 2024