Blood poisoning, also called septicemia or Sepsis , is an infection caused by the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream. Although it is commonly called "blood poisoning," the infection actually has nothing to do with poison. According to Dr. James M. Steckelberg, a Mayo Clinic internist, “blood poisoning” is not actually a medical term, but medical professionals often use it to describe septicemia.
Sepsis is often referred to as either blood poisoning or septicaemia, although it could be argued that both terms are not entirely accurate. Sepsis is not just limited to the blood and can affect the whole body, including the organs.
Septicaemia (another name for blood poisoning) refers to invasion of bacteria into the bloodstream and this occurs as part of sepsis. Sepsis can also be caused by viral or fungal infections, although bacterial infections are by far the most common cause.
(The terms septicemia and blood poisoning, referring to the presence of microorganisms or their toxins in the blood, are no longer used by the consensus committee.[2])
Sepsis is a common and potentially life-threatening condition triggered by an infection.
Sepsis is caused by the immune system's response to a serious infection, most commonly bacteria, but also fungi, viruses, and parasites in the blood, urinary tract, lungs, skin, or other tissues. Sepsis can be thought of as falling within a continuum from infection to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.
If not treated quickly, sepsis can eventually lead to multiple organ failure and death.
Sepsis causes millions of deaths globally. Each year in the UK, it is estimated that more than 100,000 people are admitted to hospital with sepsis and around 37,000 people will die as a result of the condition