Final answer:
Bacterial sepsis occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and cause a systemic inflammatory response. Gram-negative bacterial infections can lead to septic shock, which is a life-threatening condition characterized by a drop in blood pressure and organ dysfunction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs as a result of the body's response to an infection. Bacterial sepsis, in particular, occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and cause a systemic inflammatory response. This response can lead to damage of host tissues and organs, resulting in the symptoms of sepsis.
When bacteria enter the bloodstream, they can release toxins and trigger an excessive inflammatory response. This response includes the production of cytokines, such as interleukin 1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α), which can cause vasodilation, edema, and organ dysfunction.
Gram-negative bacterial infections can also lead to septic shock, where large quantities of LPS (lipopolysaccharide) are released into the blood. This can result in a dangerous drop in blood pressure, intravascular blood clotting, and failure of multiple organs.