Septicemia, sometimes referred to as bacteremia, is a syndrome that results from an acute invasion of the bloodstream by certain microorganisms or their toxic products.

Any pathogenic organism can cause septicemia and septic shock. Septic shock is most commonly caused by gram-negative bacteria. Staphylococci, streptococci and other gram-positive organisms are less frequent, as are fungi and certain rare viruses.

Fever, chills, tachycardia (rapid heart beat), and tachypnea (rapid respirations) are...