A40: Streptococcal sepsis

A40.0: Sepsis due to streptococcus, group A

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.

Your sepsis is caused by specific bacteria. These bacteria belong to the group of streptococci. There are different reasons why pathogens can get into the blood. You can have a different disorder beforehand which was caused by pathogens. Such illnesses may for instance be inflammations of the lungs or abdominal organs.

Blood poisoning makes you very ill. You may become confused and sleepy. You may have a fever and a very fast pulse. Your breathing may also be abnormally fast. Blood poisoning can affect many organs in the body. For example, the kidneys may no longer produce enough urine.