What are the most common bacteria causing sepsis?

Sepsis is a dangerous, whole-body response to an infection that can disrupt organ function. Common starting points include [Pneumonia](/conditions/pneumonia/), a [Urinary Tract Infection](/conditions/urinary-tract-infection/) or a skin infection such as [Cellulitis](/conditions/cellulitis/). Different bacteria may be responsible, and symptoms cannot reliably identify the organism. Clinicians use the likely source, examination and laboratory tests to guide antibiotics.

Take prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed and seek review if an infection is spreading or you are becoming markedly weaker. Do not wait for a culture result if you have signs of serious illness; urgent teams may begin treatment while tests are pending. Keep a record of recent infections, medicines, allergies and any hospital treatment to share with clinicians.

Get emergency help for confusion, difficulty breathing, faintness, severe weakness, cold or mottled skin, very little urine, persistent vomiting or rapidly worsening illness. Fever, [Chills](/symptoms/chills/) and [Feeling Generally Unwell](/symptoms/feeling-generally-unwell/) can occur, but sepsis can also develop without a high temperature. [Generalised Weakness](/symptoms/generalised-weakness/) with a suspected infection deserves prompt assessment.

Ask where the infection may have started, which samples or scans are needed, what treatment is being given, how quickly improvement should be assessed, and which changes require immediate escalation.