Sepsis Causes

Many different microbes can cause sepsis. Although bacteria are most commonly the cause, viruses and fungi can also cause sepsis. Infections in the lungs (pneumonia), bladder and kidneys (urinary tract infections), skin (cellulitis), abdomen (such as appendicitis), and other areas (such as meningitis) can spread and lead to sepsis. Infections that develop after surgery can also lead to sepsis.

Who is at risk for sepsis?

• Very young people and elderly people



• Anyone who is taking immunosuppressive medications (such as transplant recipients)
  
  
• People who are being treated with chemotherapy drugs or radiation



• People who have no spleen (the spleen helps fight certain infections)



• People taking steroids (especially over the long term)



• People with long-standing diabetes, AIDS, or cirrhosis



• Someone who has very large burns or severe injuries



• People with infections such as the following



• Pneumonia



• Meningitis



• Cellulitis



• Urinary tract infection



• Ruptured appendix