[Bacterial sepsis from a clinical microbiology perspective]

Sepsis constitutes a major global health challenge associated with high mortality and a substantial economic burden. From a clinical microbiology perspective, bacterial sepsis is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction resulting froma dysregulated host response to bacterial infection. The pathogens include both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, with the etiological spectrum often reflecting the site of the primary infection. Timely identification of the causative agent and initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy, preferably within the first hour after diagnosis, are critical for improving outcomes. Diagnostic workflows traditionally rely on blood cultures, as well as phenotypic and, when necessary, genotypic susceptibility testing. Advanced methods, such as MALDI-TOF MS, PCR-based detection of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, and rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (RAST) significantly shorten turnaround times and facilitate targeted therapy. However, AMR remains a major therapeutic limitation and is associated with increased mortality. A comprehensive strategy encompassing optimal clinical sample collection, rapid and accurate diagnosis, careful interpretation of results, and close collaboration between microbiologists and clinicians is essential to reduce sepsis-related morbidity and mortality. Keywords: bacteria, infections, sepsis, diagnosis.