sepsis

noun

sep·​sis ˈsep-səs 

plural sepses ˈsep-ˌsēz 

: a potentially life-threatening, systemic response of the immune system that results from the spread of pathogenic agents (such as bacteria or viruses) and their toxins to the bloodstream from a localized infection (as of the lungs), that involves both inflammatory and immunosuppressive activity, that is marked especially by fever, chills, rapid heart rate and breathing, fatigue, confusion, increased blood coagulation, hypotension, impaired microcirculation, and organ dysfunction, and that may progress to septic shock

Note: The primary cause of sepsis is pneumonia with secondary causes commonly including infections of the abdominal cavity and urinary tract.

compare septicemia

Examples of sepsis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Left untreated, this can result in a rupture and life-threatening sepsis. —Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024

The test is already in place in six hospitals across two health systems, one of which has reported a reduction in sepsis mortality of over 30% after a year. —Danielle Chemtob, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024

However, there are some types of E. coli, like the bacteria found in the recalled carrots, that can make people sick with diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis and other illnesses. —Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 18 Nov. 2024

One suffered sepsis like Barnica, but survived after three days in intensive care. —Cassandra Jaramillo and Kavitha Surana, CNN, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek sēpsis decay, from sēpein to putrefy

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

sepsis

noun

sep·​sis ˈsep-səs 

plural sepses ˈsep-ˌsēz 

: a potentially life-threatening, systemic response of the immune system that results from the spread of pathogenic agents (as bacteria or viruses) and their toxins to the bloodstream from a localized infection (as of the lungs), that involves both inflammatory and immunosuppressive activity, and that is marked especially by fever, chills, rapid heart rate and breathing, fatigue, confusion, increased blood coagulation, hypotension, impaired microcirculation, and organ dysfunction, and that may progress to septic shock

Note: The primary cause of sepsis is pneumonia with secondary causes commonly including infections of the abdominal cavity and urinary tract.

compare multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, septicemia