Infectious Disease

The document discusses sepsis and related syndromes. It defines sepsis, sepsis syndrome, severe sepsis, and septic shock based on symptoms and signs of infection and organ dysfunction. Common causes include bacterial infections like Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative rods. Specific syndromes discussed include staphylococcal and streptococcal toxic shock syndromes caused by bacterial toxins, and increased risk of overwhelming sepsis in asplenic patients. Meningococcemia, caused by Neisseria meningitidis, is also described as potentially fatal if not treated promptly due to endotoxin effects and shock.