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Causes of septic shock

Long-Term Care Nursing Advisor, April 20, 2007

Septic shock occurs when the body attempts to destroy an invading pathogen. The causative agent is usually a Gram-negative bacteria (75% of the time), but Gram-positive organisms--Rickettsia, fungi, and viruses--have been implicated as well. Sepsis typically starts as a bacterial infection that can originate from pneumonia, skin infections (cellulites), and urinary infections. The infections often begin with bacteria inside the body that grow out of control or from invading external pathogens that enter the body through wounds, urinary catheters, or IV lines. In about 20% of all cases, the source is never found. The cell walls of the Gram-negative pathogens contain toxins that are liberated when the immune system attempts to destroy them. Other toxic substances are released in response, creating massive shock, organ failure, and death.

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