Sepsis

Summary Science Features

Sepsis is a devastating consequence of infection that frequently causes shock, dysfunction of organs such as the heart and lungs, and coagulation abnormalities. It is the most common cause of death in non-coronary critical care units.  In sepsis, components of microorganisms activate host inflammatory cells to release inflammatory mediators and factors involved in coagulation, and to express receptors and adhesion molecules responsible for recruiting inflammatory cells into organs.  The Sepsis Laboratory is broadly interested in the interplay between microorganisms and the host innate immune system, and in their relation to sepsis-induced dysfunction of organs and systems.