Septicemia

Blood poisoning; Bacteremia with sepsis

Septicemia is an infection in the bloodstream that is caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Also called sepsis, septicemia is a serious, life-threatening response to an infection that may get worse very quickly.

Related Information

Sepsis
Osteomyelitis
Central nervous system
Meningitis
Septic shock
Shock
Bleeding disorders
Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome
Acute respiratory distress syndrome

References

Gordon AC, Russell JA. Shock syndromes related to sepsis. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 94.

Shapiro NI, Jones AE. Sepsis syndrome. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 127.

Review Date: 10/27/2024

Reviewed By: Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH, ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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06/01/2025

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