Sepsis

Sepsis is a serious complication that can arise in people who have a bacterial infection in any part of their body. If an infection is particularly severe or the person’s immune system is weak, the bacteria can spread throughout the blood to other parts of the body more quickly.

This causes the body’s immune system to go into overdrive. Inflammation is usually a helpful part of the immune response. However, it can become excessive and damage tissues or interfere with blood flow. This can lead to a drop in blood pressure. In these cases, oxygen does not reach the organs and tissues where it is required.

Patients must be treated with antibiotics and given fluids and oxygen. These treatments must happen quickly. Without rapid antibiotic treatment, it is possible for the person to go into septic shock. They may suffer from multiple organ failure, resulting in lifelong disability or even death.

Currently, around
0
people die from sepsis in the UK every year

Clinicians are very concerned that patients with sepsis through infection with antibiotic-resistant bacteria may not respond to treatment. The number of reported cases in the UK is increasing.

What is the difference between sepsis and septicaemia?

Septicaemia is a severe blood infection (blood poisoning). Sepsis is a complication of septicaemia that arises from the way the body responds to such infections, so septicaemia can cause sepsis. You can find out more about antibiotic resistance in blood stream infections here.

 
Please help support crucial research into new antibiotic therapies and education programs to help ensure a safer future for you and your loved ones.