By Bill Harrison, MD Sepsis is a severe infection in the body and bloodstream that can lead to shock, a reaction caused by lack of blood flow in the body.
Sepsis can occur when a person has a severe infection.
As the infection worsens, bacteria may enter the bloodstream. When this happens, toxins produced by the bacteria can affect the blood vessels. This causes severe low blood pressure. This is known as septic shock, and is a medical emergency. If not treated, septic shock will lead to death.