Ernst Theodor Rietschel Knihy

Severe sepsis and septic shock represent the most critical complications arising from bacterial infections, with both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria triggering severe inflammatory responses that lead to significant morbidity and mortality. In the U.S., over 400,000 patients are affected by septicemia annually, resulting in approximately 100,000 deaths despite advanced intensive care and antimicrobial treatments. These alarming statistics have spurred extensive research into the bacterial and host factors contributing to the septic response. A multidisciplinary approach, involving experts in chemistry, physics, biology, medical microbiology, immunology, and pharmacology, has facilitated significant advancements in understanding sepsis. Clinical trials have been conducted to assess new therapeutic drugs, but the lack of promising results highlights the complexity of sepsis as a syndrome. This complexity necessitates intensified basic and clinical research to uncover its molecular mechanisms. In light of this, the editors of this volume sought to compile a comprehensive summary of current basic and clinical knowledge on sepsis, expressing gratitude to the international experts who contributed their insights on various aspects of this critical field.