Which of the following diseases is caused by a blood infection?

Septic shock is indeed caused by a blood infection, typically resulting from a severe bacterial infection that spreads throughout the bloodstream, leading to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). When the body responds to the infection, it releases various chemicals into the bloodstream, which can cause widespread inflammation, blood vessel dilation, and a drop in blood pressure. This cascade of events can lead to organ dysfunction and, if not treated promptly, can be life-threatening.

The presence of pathogens in the blood, such as bacteria, can trigger this serious condition. As the infection progresses, the immune response can become overwhelmed, resulting in septic shock, characterized by severe hypotension and organ failure. This distinguishes septic shock from the other types of shocks listed.

In contrast, cardiogenic shock is primarily caused by the heart's inability to pump blood effectively, often due to a heart attack or severe heart failure. Hypovolemic shock results from a significant loss of blood volume, typically from hemorrhage or dehydration, while anaphylactic shock is an extreme allergic reaction that causes a rapid and severe drop in blood pressure due to the release of histamines and other chemicals in response to an allergen. Therefore, these other shocks stem from different physiological mechanisms rather than a direct blood infection.