A39.1: Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome
You have been infected by certain bacteria called meningococci. These bacteria are typically transmitted person-to-person, for example by sneezing or shaking hands. The bacteria have given you blood poisoning.
Blood poisoning is the most severe outcome of a disorder that has been caused by pathogens. Blood poisoning is also known as sepsis. With this, pathogens or their toxins may spread throughout the body via the blood. If the body’s immune system does not react properly to this, organs and tissue can become damaged. The damage may be extremely severe. It may be impossible to get it under control.
As a result of your blood poisoning, so many blood clots have formed that large amounts of clotting substances in the blood have been used up. When there are fewer coagulants, the blood is no longer able to coagulate properly, and this may result in internal bleeding. Many hemorrhages are then visible on the skin. Bleeding in the body may cause organs or tissue to necrotize. The disorder can also damage the brain and heart.
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