Septicemia
Blood poisoning; Bacteremia with sepsisSepticemia 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.
Sepsis
Sepsis is an illness in which the body has a severe, inflammatory response to bacteria or other germs.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleReferences
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.