Approved research

Genetic variants that influence incidence, biological factors and clinical outcomes of sepsis and septic shock.

Lay summary

Infections are the most common cause of death worldwide and no significant improvements in the treatment of severe infection have been developed since the discovery of antibiotics almost a century ago. The role that genetics play in severe infections has not previously been widely investigated. Sepsis is an illness where the patient's tissues and organs are damaged by the body's own immune response to infection, and is often life-threatening. Sepsis can lead to septic shock when blood pressure drops and fluid replacement does not improve the condition. The aim of this project is to explore various ways genetics contributes to sepsis and septic shock. Some of the questions we will be exploring include: - Do genetic variants associated with cholesterol affect survival of sepsis and septic shock patients? - Do there exist different types of sepsis and septic shock patients, and if so, how do genetics play a role in differentiating these patients? - What are some other genetic variants that affect survival of sepsis and septic shock patients? Findings of this project could lead to new treatments for sepsis and septic shock and reduce the death toll caused by these illnesses