Sepsis Examples

Question 1

Give an example of how different levels of virulence affects level of sepsis

Answer 1

Eg. streptococcus pyogenes

• no endotoxin:
• cellulitis
• pain
• endotoxin present:
• cellulitis
• toxic shock
• hypotension
• altered mental state

Question 2

Give an example of how bioburden can affect level of infection in sepsis

Answer 2

Eg. Salmonella typhimurium

10^3 CFU:

• gurgling tummy
• loose stools

10^5 CFU:

• haemorrhagic colitis
• fever
• abdominal pain

Question 3

Give an example of how host susceptibility can affect level of infection in sepsis

Answer 3

Eg. Streptococcus pneumoniae

fit adult:

• fever
• pneumonia

elderly:

• fever
• pneumonia
• physical unsteadiness
• confusion
• altered mental state

Question 4

Give an example of how temporal evolution can affect the level of infection in sepsis

Answer 4

Eg. Neisseria meningitidis

early:

• fever
• malaise
• headache
• myalgia
• arthralgia

late:

• septic shock
• altered mental state
• hypotension