Sepsis is caused by an overwhelming bacterial infection. In someone with a poorly functioning immune system, sepsis may be caused by fungi (Candida).

Bacteria that commonly cause sepsis include:

• Acinetobacter species
• Clostridium difficile
• E. coli
• Enterobacter species
• Enterococcus species
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Klebsiella species
• Listeria monocytogenes
• Neisseria meningitidis
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Serratia species
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Streptococcus species
• Group B strep

Infections that can worsen and lead to sepsis include:

• Cellulitis:
• Cellulitis of the face
• Cellulitis of the ear
• Cellulitis of the arm
• Cellulitis of the hand
• Cellulitis of the leg
• Cellulitis of the foot
• Cellulitis of the abdomen
• Cellulitis of the breast
• Cholecystitis
• Colitis
• Endocarditis
• Gangrene
• Meningitis
• Osteomyelitis
• Perforated bowel
• Peritonitis
• Pneumonia
• Pyelonephritis
• Urinary tract infection
• Septic arthritis