- Can originate from any site in the body
- Systemic illness due to infection
- Precise cause varies based on host risk factors, pathogens involved, target organ(s) affected
- More common amongst elderly
- Compromised by diabetes, HIV+ w/low CD4, chronic kidney, liver, lung or heart disease
- Compromised by meds--> steroids, chemotherapy, other immune modulating agents
- Smoking, ETOH other toxin exposures
- Fever or hypothermia
- Decreased level of consciousness
- Additional symptoms may be present based on organs affected
- Often ill appearing
- Febrile or low temperature
- Can be warm peripherally from inappropriate vasodilatation
- Specific target organ(s) dysfxn may be apparent on exam