GENEVA, Switzerland – Sepsis, a life-threatening condition triggered by the body’s extreme response to infection, poses a serious global health threat. It can lead to organ failure and death, affecting hundreds of millions of patients worldwide each year. Sepsis is usually caused by bacterial infections but may also result from viruses, parasites, or fungi.
People at higher risk of developing sepsis include the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health problems. Signs of sepsis include fever, rapid heart rate, confusion, and body pain, which can escalate to septic shock and multiple organ failure.
Healthcare-associated infections are a common contributor to the occurrence of sepsis, especially in vulnerable populations such as older individuals, patients in intensive care units, and people with weakened immune systems. Infections acquired in healthcare settings often involve drug-resistant pathogens, accelerating the progression of sepsis and septic shock.
Effectively preventing sepsis involves implementing strategies such as good hygiene, vaccination programs, improved sanitation, and water quality. Early diagnosis and appropriate clinical management, including optimal antimicrobial use and fluid resuscitation, are crucial for increasing the likelihood of survival.
Sepsis can arise from various causes, with diarrhoeal diseases and respiratory infections being the most significant contributors. Maternal disorders and neonatal disorders are common non-communicable diseases complicated by sepsis, while Group B streptococcus and Escherichia coli are among the leading pathogens causing sepsis-related deaths.
Preventing sepsis involves treating infections promptly and ensuring proper hygiene at home and in healthcare settings. Effective infection prevention and control measures, appropriate antibiotic use, and early treatment are essential in managing sepsis.
By improving the response to sepsis, we can contribute to achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the importance of addressing sepsis and has outlined key pillars for prevention and management, collaborating with international organizations and stakeholders to enhance treatment and infection prevention and control.