Epidemiology and Immune Pathogenesis of Viral Sepsis

Abstract

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Sepsis can be caused by a broad range of pathogens; however, bacterial infections represent the majority of sepsis cases. Up to 42% of sepsis presentations are culture negative, suggesting a non-bacterial cause. Despite this, diagnosis of viral sepsis remains very rare. Almost any virus can cause sepsis in vulnerable patients (e.g., neonates, infants, and other immunosuppressed groups). The prevalence of viral sepsis is not known, nor is there enough information to make an accurate estimate. The initial standard of care for all cases of sepsis, even those that are subsequently proven to be culture negative, is the immediate use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. In the absence of definite diagnostic criteria for viral sepsis, or at least to exclude bacterial sepsis, this inevitably leads to unnecessary antimicrobial use, with associated consequences for antimicrobial resistance, effects on the host microbiome and excess healthcare costs. It is important to understand non-bacterial causes of sepsis so that inappropriate treatment can be minimised, and appropriate treatments can be developed to improve outcomes. In this review, we summarise what is known about viral sepsis, its most common causes, and how the immune responses to severe viral infections can contribute to sepsis. We also discuss strategies to improve our understanding of viral sepsis, and ways we can integrate this new information into effective treatment.

Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Attenuate Acute Lung Injury Through Regulation of the Gut Microbiota in Septic Rats

“…At present, more and more bone marrow-derived stem cells are used to treat diseases related to inflammation and organ damage [45] . However, little is known about the contribution of ADMSCs to the development of ALI in rats with sepsis [46] . Therefore, in order to fill this knowledge gap, in this study, we analyzed changes in the intestinal microflora of sepsis-induced SD rats using 16S rDNA sequencing.…”

Culture-negative and culture-positive septic shock: characteristics and clinical outcomes

“…First, the patients could have been prescribed empirical antibiotics at local clinics before sepsis developed [14]. Second, the proportion of sepsis cases caused by atypical pathogens, including viral and fungal infections, might be increasing [15,16]. In these cases, conventional cultures, such as blood, urine, stool, and pus swabs, were not enough to detect pathogens, but de nitive evaluations could be helpful.…”

Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Attenuate Acute Lung Injury Through Regulation of the Gut Microbiota in Septic Rats

“…At present, more and more bone marrow-derived stem cells are used to treat diseases related to in ammation and organ damage [45] . However, little is known about the contribution of ADMSCs to the development of ALI in rats with sepsis [46] . Therefore, in order to ll this knowledge gap, in this study, we analyzed changes in the intestinal micro ora of sepsis-induced SD rats using 16S rDNA sequencing.…”