[Bacterial shock]

Bacterial shock (BS) is a complication of infectious and suppurative surgical diseases caused mainly by gram-negative bacterial flora. The leading role in the pathogenesis of BS belongs to intoxication of the host by bacterial endotoxins resorbed from the primary focus, by products of protein disintegration, as well as hyperproduction of biologically active substances in the patient. The clinico-anatomical variants of BS are adequate to the quantity and quality of toxins resorbed from the primary focus. An accurate pathoanatomical diagnosis of BS is mandatory for its profound investigation. This diagnosis is possible on the basis of a careful clinico-anatomical analysis with due consideration of the morphological criteria of hemocoagulation and peripheral hemodynamics disorders (the liquid state of cadaver blood, disseminated intravascular coagulation, blood sequestration in some bassins, and intraorgan shunt of the bloodstream).