Sepsis Infection

Sepsis infection is caused by the presence of toxic substances or microorganisms in the blood stream of the organism. It is characterized by inflammation of the entire body, increase in heart rate and abnormal body temperature. This condition is also known as systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). People with weak immune system are most susceptible to this infection. Hence patients of cancer, AIDS and pneumonia are infected with sepsis. Sepsis infection in newborns and children is also common because their immune system is not well-developed. There is a risk of infection after surgery and also after taking strong and inappropriate medicines.

The sepsis causing bacteria can enter the body through open wounds or cuts. The micro organisms causing sepsis reside in the lungs, liver, kidney and intestines. Sometimes the sepsis causing bacteria may enter the newborns or any patients through the intravenous lines and surgical wounds. So, is this infection contagious? Well, the answer is no, the infection isn't contagious. But the infection caused by Group B streptococcus can be passed from a mother to baby during birth. In fact this type of infection is the most common among newborns.

Symptoms

Most of the symptoms arise, as the body is trying to fight back the abnormalities caused by the microorganisms. A person may notice some or all the symptoms listed below.

• Extreme fluctuation of body temperature
• Fever and chills
• Joint pain
• Septic shock
• Low blood pressure
• Diarrhea
• Confused state of mind and irritation

Diagnosis

After noticing any of the above symptoms, one must seek medical help, as early as possible. For proper diagnosis, doctors may suggest certain tests like kidney function test, peripheral smear, white blood cell count, blood tests and culture analysis. The blood sample of a septic patient is most likely to show fibrin degradation products, low platelet count and excess amount of immature white blood cells. Early detection and diagnosis will help for a better prognosis and treatment.

Treatment

This infection is a severe medical condition and usually the patient is confined to bed. In some serious cases, the patient is shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital. The patient is closely monitored and lifesaving measures for heart and respiration are sought. As soon as the patient is admitted, antibiotics and other medications are administered intravenously. Antibiotics can help to get the situation under control and also gives some much-needed time for the doctors to carry out the tests. A drug called Xigris or activated protein C is given sometimes, which helps the body to lower the rate of inflammation. Vasopressors can also be used, so that the blood pressure can be increased in people suffering from low blood pressure. Over-the-counter medications like pain killers, corticosteroids and insulin should also be taken under medical supervision.

Prognosis

The prognosis will mostly depend on the age of the person and whether he or she has any other health complications. Death rate of this disease can be as high as about 60 percent for people with underlying health condition. The infection can also lead to multiple organ failure. Septic shock can account for almost forty to fifty percent of patients with other health problems. However, for healthy people with no other health complications, the death rate is as low as about 5 percent.

The infection is rare and according to a study, only two out of ten thousand people suffer from it. As early diagnosis and treatment are a key for survival, one should keep a look out for the signs and symptoms of sepsis infection.