Thilo, v. G., & Meersch-Dini, M. (2022). Biomarkers for the prediction and judgement of sepsis and sepsis complications: A step towards precision medicine? Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11(19), 5782. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11195782

Sepsis. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/sepsis

Livorsi, D. J., Stenehjem, E., & Stephens, D. S. (2011). Virulence factors of gram-negative bacteria in sepsis with a focus on Neisseria meningitidis. Contributions to microbiology, 17, 31–47. https://doi.org/10.1159/000324008

Staphylococcus aureus

Gram negative:

Escherichia Coli - (most commonly > urinary tract infections)

Fungi:

Candida albicans - fungal species that also causes sepsis

Immune Evasion - to avoid detection and destruction from host

Biofilm Formation - forming on medical devices allowing persistent infections and resistance to antibiotics

Antibiotic Resistance

-Kidney infection

-Urinary tract infection

-Pneumonia

-Germs from medical equipment

-Drop in blood pressure

-Confusion

-Diarrhea

-Nausea

-Vomiting

-Slurred speech

-LPS (Lipopolysaccharide) endotoxin

*potent activator of host immune system

((when released into bloodstream it binds to TLR4 immune cells and triggers cytokine storm causing inflammation and hypotension, then leading to septic shock and organ failure))

Pathogen presenting gram positive:

-Coagulase enzyme

*causes blood clotting around bacteria forming a protective barrier shielding from immune cells

-Exotoxins

*(toxic sock syndrome) -causing host damage to tissues, lyse red blood cells and suppresses the immune response

*causes abscesses

((blood samples acquired in two separate spots from body(reducing contamination) then its incubated in culture medium, 24-48hrs its ready> results lead to specific pathogen guiding targeted antibiotic or anti fungal therapy))

Completed blood count (WBC)-

looks for changes in white blood cell counts, platelet levels, and other blood components

((blood sample collected to assess WBC and platelet count> if immature white blood cells are present this can indicate a severe infection

Urinalysis -

looks for presence of bacteria, and white blood cells in the urine

((urine sample collected and analyzed for signs of infection)) very useful for urinary tract infections

type of antibiotic depends on the pathogen being gram positive or gram negative, but once figured out the goal is to kill or inhibit the growth of bacterial pathogens

ex.) antibiotics like penicillin -mode of action= inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis by targeting penicillin-binding proteins(which is crucial for cell wall construction) > without a proper cell wall bacteria are unable to maintain their structure and lyse burst due to osmotic pressure

collection of mental and physical symptoms can last months or years after recovery from sepsis including

*Fatigue

*Muscle and joint pain

*Difficulty concentrating

*insomnia

*Depression and anxiety

(reduces the risk of infection)

*Pneumonia vaccine

*Flu vaccine

*Covid-19 vaccine

*Meningitis vaccine

-Good hygiene

(reduces transmission of infection causing pathogens)

*hand washing

*hand sanitizer

*oral hygiene

*body hygiene

-Wound care

(prevents infections that can lead to bloodstream)

*keeping wounds clean and covered

*use antiseptics

*seek medical attention for deeper/severe cuts and wounds