Menu Healthy Lifestyle Diseases & Conditions First Aid Symptoms Tests & Procedures Videos Definitions FAQs SepsisUpdated: 2017-06-13OverviewSepsis is a complication of an infection. It occurs when chemicals released in the bloodstream to fight an infection trigger inflammation throughout the body.SymptomsThis can cause a cascade of changes that damage multiple organ systems, causing them to fail. This sometimes results in death.TreatmentsTreatment includes antibiotics and IV fluids. © 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research(MFMER). All rights reserved. Terms of Use