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. 2009 Jan;25(1):83-101, viii.
doi: 10.1016/j.ccc.2008.12.003.

Sepsis and septic shock: a history

Duane J Funk  1 , Joseph E Parrillo, Anand Kumar
Affiliations

Sepsis and septic shock: a history

Duane J Funk et al. Crit Care Clin. 2009 Jan.

Abstract

Infectious disease has been a leading cause of death in humans since the first recorded tabulations. From Hippocrates and Galen, to Lister, Fleming and Semmelweiss, this article reviews the notable historical figures of sepsis research. The early descriptions and theories about the etiology (microbial pathogens), pathogenesis (toxins and mediators), and treatment of sepsis-associated disease are also discussed.

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