A DEADLY INFECTION

Sepsis is an infection that makes its way into the bloodstream, explains Dr Jantjie Taljaard, head of infectious diseases at Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town. It’s usually caused by bacteria such as streptococcus, staphylococcus, E coli or klebsiella. The bacteria release toxins and other harmful substances into the bloodstream, causing the immune system to go into overdrive in an effort to rid the body of the infection.

Gangrene can take hold in the toes, fingers and even the tip of the nose due to complications from sepsis. Blood congeals more easily during sepsis and this can lead to small clots developing which clog the tiny arteries that supply the body’s extremities with blood. This causes the tissue in these areas to die.

Sepsis is usually accompanied by high fever, fatigue, low blood pressure, disorientation or delirium. The most serious form of the disease is septic shock, which causes a sharp decrease in blood pressure, resulting in even less blood to the extremities.