Microbiology of Sepsis

Sepsis can be caused by any pathogen.
Sepsis is most commonly caused by bacteria and viruses. It can also be caused by fungi, rickettsiae, and parasites.
The most common bacterial pathogens causing sepsis in children are gram positive organisms such as staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus pneumoniae.
Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B strep) and Escherichia coli are common pathogens in neonatal sepsis.
Children with indwelling vascular catheters or ventriculoperitoneal shunts are at risk for sepsis from coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species.