Every minute matters when it comes to sepsis. Yet, millions of Indians are unaware of what sepsis actually is, how it develops, or why timing is everything. In the simplest terms: Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection. It is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
At DNA Labs India, we believe awareness is the first step toward saving lives. With collection centers across the country and an advanced processing lab in Hyderabad, we are committed to helping doctors and patients detect sepsis early—so treatment can begin before it’s too late.
What is Sepsis?
Sepsis happens when an infection you already have triggers a chain reaction throughout your body. Instead of fighting the infection locally, your immune system goes into overdrive, causing widespread inflammation, blood clotting issues, and reduced oxygen flow to vital organs.
Without quick treatment, sepsis can lead to septic shock, organ failure, and death.
It is important to know: Sepsis is not a virus. It is not contagious. It is a complication that arises when the body’s response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs.
How Sepsis Enters the Human Body
Sepsis does not enter the body on its own. It is always the result of an existing infection. That infection can start anywhere, and it enters the body through various common routes:
1. Through the Lungs
Infections like pneumonia or severe bronchitis can begin in the lungs. If the immune system cannot contain the infection, bacteria or viruses can enter the bloodstream and trigger sepsis.
2. Through the Urinary Tract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common starting point, especially in elderly individuals. If a UTI spreads to the kidneys, it can quickly move into the bloodstream and lead to sepsis.
3. Through the Skin
Even minor breaks in the skin can become gateways. This includes:
- Cuts and scrapes that become infected
- Surgical wounds
- Insect or animal bites
- Burns
- Skin conditions like cellulitis or infected ulcers (common in diabetics)
4. Through the Digestive System
Infections in the abdomen, such as appendicitis, peritonitis (infection of the abdominal lining), or infected gallbladders, can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream.
5. Through Medical Devices
In hospital settings, devices like intravenous (IV) lines, urinary catheters, or breathing tubes can sometimes introduce bacteria directly into the body if not kept perfectly sterile.
6. From Dental Infections
Severe tooth abscesses or gum infections, if left untreated, can spread bacteria into the bloodstream and throughout the body.
7. From Animals: Licks, Bites, and Scratches
Many people do not realize that dogs and cats can transmit life-threatening infections through seemingly harmless interactions. Even a simple lick on broken skin—or in some cases, on intact skin that is then touched to the mouth, nose, or eyes—can introduce bacteria into the body.
Bacteria Found in Pet Mouths:
- Capnocytophaga canimorsus: This bacterium is commonly found in the mouths of healthy dogs and cats. While rare, infection can lead to devastating sepsis, organ failure, and even death. Cases have been documented where even without a bite, close contact including licks led to severe sepsis. Studies show that Capnocytophaga infections have a mortality rate of 26% , and up to 40% of cases occur in previously healthy adults.
- Pasteurella multocida: Found in the mouths of about 90% of cats and 50% of dogs , this bacteria is responsible for approximately 50% of wound infections from dog bites and 75% from cat bites. In immunocompromised individuals, even trivial scratches can lead to septic shock. Pasteurella bacteremia carries a mortality rate of 30% .
- Other Zoonotic Bacteria: Pets can also carry Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and other bacteria that, while harmless to the animal, can cause severe illness in humans.
Who Is at Risk:
A 2025 study of 174 ICU patients with pet-transmitted infections found that the median age was 64 years, and 62.6% had preexisting conditions such as diabetes, liver disease, or cancer. However, healthy individuals are not immune—many cases occur in people with no underlying health issues.
Precautions:
- Wash hands thoroughly after any animal contact, especially if licked
- Never let pets lick open wounds, cuts, or your face/mouth area
- Clean any bite or scratch immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention
- Immunocompromised individuals should be extra cautious around pets
- If an animal bite or scratch is followed by fever, confusion, or flu-like symptoms, seek emergency care immediately
Why Early Detection Matters
Sepsis is often called a “silent killer” because its early symptoms can look like the flu or a common viral infection. Patients may feel feverish, fatigued, or confused—symptoms many of us ignore or brush off.
But here is the reality:
- Every hour delay in treatment increases the risk of death.
- Early detection gives doctors the chance to administer the right antibiotics and fluids before organs begin to fail.
- Patients who are diagnosed early are far more likely to survive and recover fully.
This is why awareness and access to proper testing are so important. You cannot fight what you cannot see.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Sepsis can be hard to spot, but there are red flags. If you or a loved one has an infection that seems to be getting worse, watch for these signs:
- High heart rate or weak pulse
- Fever, shivering, or feeling very cold
- Confusion or disorientation
- Shortness of breath
- Extreme pain or discomfort
- Clammy or sweaty skin
If you notice these symptoms—especially in someone who is elderly, very young, or has a weakened immune system—seek medical help immediately.
How Testing Helps
Diagnosing sepsis is not always straightforward. Symptoms can overlap with other conditions. This is where advanced laboratory testing becomes essential.
Laboratory tests look for specific biomarkers in the blood—substances that rise sharply when the body is fighting a severe infection. These include markers like Procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive Protein (CRP) , which help differentiate a bacterial infection from a viral one, and indicate how severe the body’s response really is.
By providing doctors with clear, objective data, testing helps them make faster, more informed decisions about treatment.
Who Should Be Tested?
Sepsis can affect anyone, but certain groups are at higher risk:
- Infants and young children
- Elderly individuals
- People with chronic illnesses (diabetes, cancer, kidney disease)
- Those with weakened immune systems
- Patients recovering from surgery
- Anyone whose infection is getting worse instead of better
- Individuals who have experienced animal bites, scratches, or licks on broken skin
If you fall into any of these categories and have signs of infection, speak to your doctor about your concerns.
Awareness Saves Lives
The most powerful tool we have against sepsis is awareness. Knowing the symptoms, understanding the risks, and acting quickly can mean the difference between recovery and tragedy.
If something feels wrong—trust your instinct. Seek medical help. Ask questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is sepsis the same as a blood infection?
Not exactly. A blood infection (bacteremia) means bacteria are present in the blood. Sepsis is the body’s overwhelming response to that infection. You can have a blood infection without sepsis, but sepsis always starts with some type of infection.
Q2: Can sepsis be cured?
Yes, especially when caught early. Treatment usually involves antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and support for failing organs. The key is speed—early detection saves lives.
Q3: Can a simple dog or cat lick really cause sepsis?
Yes, in rare cases. Bacteria like Capnocytophaga canimorsus and Pasteurella multocida are commonly found in the mouths of healthy dogs and cats. If transmitted through a lick on broken skin or a mucous membrane, these bacteria can cause severe infection leading to sepsis—particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, though healthy people have also been affected.
Q4: What should I do if an animal licks my wound or bites me?
Wash the area immediately with soap and water for several minutes. Apply an antiseptic. Monitor for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, or fever. If any symptoms develop or if the bite is deep, seek medical attention promptly.
Q7: Can I request this test for myself?
Sepsis testing is typically ordered by a doctor based on clinical symptoms. If you are concerned, speak to your healthcare provider. They can advise whether testing is necessary and issue the appropriate request.
Know the Signs. Act Fast.
Sepsis is a race against time. But with awareness and the right medical support, lives can be saved.
