How does Sepsis work?

Sepsis is a cumulative complication following an infection, whether it is bacterial, viral, or fungal, which disseminates through the circulatory system and transfigures as a significant systemic response. Amalgamated by the body’s failure to distinguish itself from causative pathogens, sepsis results in damaging organs and tissues. As sepsis continues, it can lead to a life-threatening organ dysfunction because of the dysregulated host response to the infection. If it continues to remain unidentified and untreated, it can rapidly lead to a life-threatening condition such as shock, multi-organ failure, and mortality.

There is a wide range of individuals who are at higher risk of developing sepsis, these include;

The very young, very old, or very frail

People who have impaired immune systems due to illness or drugs, includes chemotherapy treatment which can lead to neutropaenic sepsis, people who have impaired immune function due to conditions such as diabetes, sickle cell disease, splenectomy, etc. Taking long term steroids, and taking immunosuppressant drugs to treat non-malignant disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis

People who have had surgery or any other invasive treatments in the past 6 weeks

People with any breach of skin integrity

People who misuse drugs intravenously

People with indwelling lines or catheters

Pregnant women

Newborn babies where there were complications/risk factors during birth