Infectious Diseases

Sepsis and Critical Infections in Clinical Practice

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to infection causes widespread inflammation, leading to organ dysfunction or failure. It can result from bacterial, viral, or fungal infections and is a major cause of death in hospitals worldwide. Early symptoms—such as fever, confusion, rapid breathing, or low blood pressure—may be subtle, making timely diagnosis challenging. Delays in recognizing and treating sepsis significantly increase mortality risk. Clinical guidelines emphasize prompt administration of antibiotics, fluid resuscitation, and organ support in intensive care settings. Despite advancements, sepsis remains underdiagnosed, with limited biomarkers for early detection. Multidisciplinary care, robust hospital protocols, and public awareness campaigns are vital to reducing its impact. Ongoing research focuses on precision medicine approaches, rapid diagnostics, and improved clinical decision-making tools to prevent progression and improve survival outcomes in sepsis patients.