Causes and Risk: 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 <http://umm.drkoop.com/conditions/ency/article.asp?id=002383> 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 <http://umm.drkoop.com/conditions/ency/article.asp?id=003744> culture. The infection can lead to shock <http://umm.drkoop.com/conditions/ency/article.asp?id=000039> , called septic <http://umm.drkoop.com/conditions/ency/article.asp?id=000668> shock. Low blood <http://umm.drkoop.com/conditions/ency/article.asp?id=003083> pressure and a change in <http://umm.drkoop.com/conditions/ency/article.asp?id=003205> mental status may be early-warning signs of shock.
There has recently been an increase in the occurrence 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:
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