A serious, abnormal condition that occurs when an overwhelming bacterial contamination leads to low blood pressure and low blood flow: Vital organs, such as the brain, heart, kidneys, and liver may not function properly or may fail during a septic shock.

Toxins or poisons that are released by a bacteria, or fungus, may cause direct tissue damage to the body and can lead to low blood pressure and poor organ functions which cause a strong inflammatory response from the body that contributes to a septic shock.