Urosepsis is a systemic blood infection that develops when a urinary tract infection pathogen enters the bloodstream and disseminates throughout the entire body. A lay term for this critical condition is "blood poisoning" because an infection is in the bloodstream; however, this is not a medical term. Sepsis can result in major damage to organs, septic shock or death. It is more common in infants, the elderly and hospitalized patients, especially those in intensive care with in-dwelling tube devices such as a catheter or shunt, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Sepsis is a dangerous condition and requires immediate treatment.
Bacteria
The majority of sepsis cases are due to bacterial infections that can start from any organ or conditions such as pneumonia, renal failure or diabetes. Other sources of infection are major injuries or trauma to the body: wounds such as from a gunshot, surgical or IV sites; decubitus ulcers, peritonitis or a perforated bowel; and, severe burn areas. Frequent bacterial pathogens include but not limited to: E. coli, S. aureus and E. corrodens), as well as variants of Streptococcus and Enterococcus microorganisms. Generally, the most common pathogen to cause sepsis is E. coli which normally exists in the gastrointestional tract.
Viruses
Opportunistic viruses, for example HIV and hepatitis C, are possible sources of sepsis. In these cases, direct blood contact with an opening in the skin, like a cut or open puncture wound, is needed for the virus to enter the body. This is where any risk of direct contact with contaminated blood sources such as, for example, lack of sterile technique, blood transfusions or dirty needles, could potentially play a role in transmitting the septic agent to an individual.
Other Causes
In some situations, a fungal infection may be the start of a septic infection. Lastly, immune compromised conditions such as being a cancer patient, undergoing chemotherapy, or being status-post transplant surgery may set the stage for sepsis to occur.
