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Sepsis is the term used to describe an infection caused
by microorganisms (often referred to as "germs"
or “bugs” – usually bacteria) invading the
body. Sepsis caused by gastroenteritis or dental abscesses
is experienced by millions of people worldwide each year.
These infections are generally uncomplicated and resolve quickly
with antibiotics without any need for hospital treatment.
However, some people are more susceptible to these infections.
This includes individuals who have suffered major trauma through
a road accident or burns, have undergone surgery, or have
a suppressed immune system such as patients receiving chemotherapy
for cancer.
In susceptible individuals what starts as a local infection
(e.g. a tooth abscess) can spread in the bloodstream (when
it is called "septicaemia" or "blood poisoning").
If this is not treated quickly the infection can become severe
and uncontrolled. This has become a common problem in hospital
infections because the bacteria involved are frequently resistant
to antibiotics. Hence these bacteria have been called “superbugs”
as they are insensitive to normal treatments.
The human body is poorly adapted to coping with severe sepsis.
It triggers a complex reaction in the circulation, which often
includes a sudden drop in blood pressure. This is called septic
shock. If untreated septic shock can quickly become life threatening.
Toxic shock syndrome in women is a type of septic shock. One
to two million people die each year in Europe and North America
because of septic shock.
Patients in septic shock suffer an inflammatory response
throughout their circulation. This can have a number of undesirable
consequences that affect the flow of blood to vital organs
such as the heart, liver and kidneys. Ultimately this can
lead to organ failure and death. Sometimes this is complicated
by uncontrollable blood clotting in the circulation (“disseminated
intravascular coagulation”).
The William Harvey Research Foundation supports
research to discover new treatments for septic shock and organ
failure. It needs more funding to accelerate this research
so that patients can be given a greater chance of surviving
septic shock.
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