n.
or blood poisoning
Invasion of the bloodstream, after surgery or infectious disease, by microorganisms
typically gram-negative (see gram stain ) bacteria
and the toxin s they release.
The latter trigger immune responses and widespread coagulation in blood vessels. High fever, chills, weakness, and sweating are followed by a drop in blood pressure. Multiple infection s are often present, requiring broad-spectrum antibiotic s as well as drainage of foci of infection. Without immediate treatment, septic shock follows, with a mortality rate over 50%. Invasive technology and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospitals have made septicemia more severe and more common. See also bacteremia .