Overview
Sepsis is the body’s extreme and life-threatening response to an infection. Rather than being caused by one specific germ, sepsis happens when an infection already present in the body triggers a chain reaction that damages the body’s own tissues and organs.
Disease Summary
- Category
- Infectious Disease
- Cause
- Triggered by an infection - bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic
- Transmission
- Not directly transmissible between people; arises from an existing infection
- Body System
- Whole body (multiple organ systems)
- Preventable
- Yes
- Curable
- Yes
Symptoms
Common Symptoms
There is no single sign of sepsis. It usually presents as a combination of the following symptoms alongside signs of an existing infection.
Fever or Low Body Temperature
Either a high fever or an unusually low body temperature can occur.
Fast Heart Rate
The heart often beats faster than normal as the body tries to compensate.
Fast Breathing
Rapid, shallow breathing is a common early sign.
Confusion or Disorientation
Sepsis can affect brain function, causing confusion or difficulty thinking clearly.
Danger Signs
Seek urgent medical attention immediately if any of the following develop.
Severely Low Blood Pressure
May indicate progression to septic shock, a severe and life-threatening stage of sepsis.
Difficulty Waking or Extreme Sleepiness
A sign that the body’s organs may be failing and requires immediate care.
Mottled or Discoloured Skin
Can indicate poor blood flow to the skin and underlying tissues.
Little or No Urination
May indicate the kidneys are being affected and requires urgent evaluation.
Diagnosis
Clinical Assessment
Diagnosis begins with a clinical evaluation of vital signs, mental state, and evidence of an underlying infection. Sepsis is a clinical diagnosis and is not ruled in or out by a single test alone.
Blood Cultures
Blood cultures are collected as soon as possible, ideally before antibiotics are given, to identify the underlying infection.
Lactate Testing
Blood lactate levels help assess how severely the body’s tissues are being affected and guide urgency of treatment.
Laboratory Tests
Blood Cultures
Identifies the specific bacteria or organism causing the underlying infection, guiding antibiotic choice.
Lactate Level
An elevated lactate level indicates the body’s tissues are not getting enough oxygen, a sign of worsening sepsis.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Helps identify signs of infection and assess how the body is responding.
Additional Cultures
Samples from the suspected source of infection, such as urine or a wound, help confirm where the infection started.
Treatment
Antibiotics
Broad-spectrum antibiotics are given as early as possible, then adjusted once the specific cause of infection is identified.
IV Fluids
Fluids are given to help maintain blood pressure and blood flow to vital organs.
Prevention
Prevent infections where possible
Practising good hygiene, keeping wounds clean, and staying up to date on recommended vaccines all reduce the risk of infections that can lead to sepsis.
Manage chronic health conditions
Conditions such as diabetes increase the risk of infections progressing to sepsis, so ongoing management matters.
Know the signs and act fast
Recognising the early signs of sepsis and seeking care immediately is one of the most effective ways to prevent it from becoming life-threatening.
Risk Factors
High Risk
These individuals are more likely to develop severe sepsis.
- Infants and young children
- Adults over 65
- People with weakened immune systems
Increased Risk
These groups have a higher chance of developing sepsis.
- People with chronic conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease
- People recently hospitalised or who have had recent surgery
- People with wounds or invasive medical devices
Exposure Factors
Situations that increase the risk of developing an infection that could lead to sepsis.
- Untreated or delayed treatment of infections
- Limited access to healthcare
- Poor wound care
Complications
Septic Shock
A severe drop in blood pressure that significantly increases the risk of death and requires immediate intensive care.
Organ Failure
Sepsis can damage the kidneys, lungs, liver, or other organs if not treated promptly.
Long-Term Effects
Survivors may experience ongoing physical, cognitive, or mental health effects after recovering from severe sepsis.
When to Seek Medical Care
Signs of Infection Plus Confusion
Confusion alongside a known or suspected infection requires immediate emergency care.
Very Fast Heart Rate or Breathing
These may indicate the body is struggling to compensate for a serious infection.
Low Blood Pressure or Fainting
May indicate septic shock and requires emergency medical attention.
Little or No Urination
Can indicate the kidneys are being affected and should be assessed urgently.
Prognosis
Improved with Early Treatment
Outcomes are significantly better when sepsis is recognised and treated within the first hour.
Serious if Treatment is Delayed
Delayed treatment increases the risk of septic shock, organ failure, and death.
Recovery and Follow-Up
Some survivors experience lasting effects and may need ongoing follow-up care after leaving hospital.
Differential Diagnosis
Severe Malaria
Severe malaria can present with fever, confusion, and organ dysfunction similar to sepsis, particularly in endemic regions.
Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever can cause prolonged fever and, in severe cases, complications that overlap with sepsis.
Dehydration
Severe dehydration can cause a fast heart rate and low blood pressure, requiring careful clinical distinction from sepsis.
Heart or Lung Conditions
Some cardiac and respiratory conditions can mimic early sepsis symptoms such as fast breathing and low blood pressure.
References
World Health Organization (WHO)
World Health Organization guidance on sepsis epidemiology, risk factors, and prevention.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Clinical guidance and public education resources on recognising and preventing sepsis.
Surviving Sepsis Campaign
International clinical guidelines for the management of sepsis and septic shock.
Mayo Clinic
Patient-focused overview of sepsis symptoms, causes, and complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sepsis contagious?
No. Sepsis itself does not spread from person to person. It develops from an infection that is already present in someone’s own body.
Can sepsis be cured?
Yes, especially when recognised and treated early. Outcomes are much better when antibiotics and fluids are started within the first hour of recognition.
Who is most at risk of sepsis?
Infants, older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and people with chronic health conditions or recent hospitalisation are at higher risk, though anyone with an infection can develop sepsis.
Can sepsis be prevented?
Yes, to an extent. Preventing and promptly treating infections, practising good wound care, and staying current on vaccines all reduce the risk.