Sepsis

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis (sometimes referred to as septicemia or blood poisoning) is a potentially deadly condition that occurs from the body’s autoimmune response to the presence of an infection, usually in the blood. As sepsis progresses, it can lead to organ failure and eventually septic shock, a severe and often lethal drop in blood pressure.

What foodborne pathogens cause Sepsis?

Just about any bacterial blood infection can lead to sepsis; the same is true for bacterial foodborne pathogens such as E. coli and STEC, Salmonella, Campylobacter and Listeria. In fact, the bacteria Vibrio vulnificus rarely affects individuals who may ingest the microbe, but for individuals with compromised immune systems, the threat of sepsis from Vibrio vulnificus increases exponentially, making the bacteria very lethal for victims who contract a Vibrio vulnificus infection.

Each of these pathogens can all pass through the lining of the intestines and into the blood stream. Once these foodborne bacteria get in the blood stream, sepsis can occur, even in healthy individuals.

What are the symptoms of Sepsis?

There are three incremental stages of sepsis, each stage onsets with increasingly severe symptoms:

Sepsis

• Fever
• Rapid respiration and heartbeat
• Concurrent infection

Severe Sepsis

• Outbreaks of skin irritation
• Difficulty breathing
• Decrease in urine
• Decreased platelet count
• Abnormal heart function

Septic shock

• Severe drop in blood pressure
• Increased difficulty breathing
• Abrupt change in mental status

How is Sepsis treated?

Immediate treatment is important in instances of sepsis, as the sooner the underlying infection is addressed; the more likely the patient is to survive. Antibiotics, drugs to increase blood pressure and several other medications are used to try to stabilize the body before septic shock occurs. In sepsis, close monitoring of the patient’s condition is essential. In severe sepsis, the victim is placed in intensive care and needs constant monitoring.  When septic shock occurs, the patient requires external help to breathe and normalize heart function.

Who is at risk of Sepsis?

Sepsis is most likely to occur in infants, the elderly and those with underlying immune conditions. People in the hospital, especially intensive care units, are more susceptible to sepsis, as are individuals who have undergone invasive medical procedures. People with diabetes are also at a more significant risk. While these individuals are at greater risk, anyone who contracts an infection in the blood stream is at risk of developing sepsis.

Are there long term consequences from Sepsis?

According to the CDC, sepsis is one of the top ten causes of death in the United States. Organ damage and organ failure are common occurrences and increase in likelihood as sepsis advances into the more severe stages. Individuals suffering from septic shock have a 50% mortality rate and for those who do survive severe sepsis and septic shock, there is a chance the condition has diminished the victim’s life expectancy.

Advocating for Food Safety

The foodborne illness lawyers at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault promote food safety through legal advocacy, information outreach and analysis of food poisoning outbreaks. The food poisoning attorneys at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault have helped people harmed by contaminated foods or beverages, including clients in Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana and across the country.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious complications from a foodborne illness, please contact Neblett, Beard & Arsenault for a free evaluation of your case. Contact our firm by calling 1-800-256-1050 or use our online contact form.