Which term refers to a systemic infection causing organ dysfunction?

• A. Anaphylaxis
• B. Sepsis
• C. SIRS
• D. MODS

Answer: (B)

Sepsis is systemic infection causing organ dysfunction. It happens when an infection triggers a widespread host response that impairs one or more organs, rather than staying localized to the site of infection. This distinguishes sepsis from a pure inflammatory state (SIRS), which is systemic inflammation that can occur without infection or organ failure, and from anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction—not an infectious process. MODS describes failure of multiple organs, a severe consequence that can follow sepsis, but it’s the organ failure that results from sepsis rather than the defining event itself. So the best fit for “systemic infection causing organ dysfunction” is sepsis.