“Shahinpoor tells the story of sepsis—from earliest mention in Greek poetry to contemporary management and policy efforts. Through vivid storytelling, he brings to life the patients, families, clinicians, scientists, and policymakers who have shaped our current understanding. Blood Poison is a must-read for the many people whose lives have been touched by sepsis.”

—Hallie Prescott, MD, co-chair, Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines Committee, and International Sepsis Forum council member 

“What a great read! Although I’ve spent a long time studying sepsis, even I learned a great deal from this amazingly thorough exploration of one of medicine’s most ancient and misunderstood maladies. He does a terrific job both of tracing the history and science behind this mysterious syndrome and placing it in a very immediate and intimately human context.”

—Derek C. Angus, MD, MPH, chair, Department of Critical Care Medicine at UPMC, and senior editor, JAMA 

“Blood Poison is a powerful and timely account of sepsis—clear, compelling, and grounded in both science and humanity. A must-read for anyone committed to understanding and combating this global health threat.” 

—W. Joost Wiersinga, MD, PhD, MBA, professor of medicine and chair, Division of Infectious Diseases at the Center for Infection and Molecular Medicine (CIMM)

“Dr. Shahinpoor provides an impressive summary of the current understanding of the sepsis syndrome. All health care professionals can benefit from this book. 

—David Gilbert, past president, Infectious Diseases Society of America, and recipient of the IDSA Alexander Fleming Award for Lifetime Achievement