Which type of shock is most closely associated with systemic infection?

Septic shock is specifically linked to systemic infection, particularly when the body's response to an infection causes a widespread inflammatory reaction. This type of shock arises when pathogens such as bacteria enter the bloodstream and provoke a severe immune response, which can lead to dangerously low blood pressure, organ dysfunction, and potentially death.

During septic shock, the body's chemical signals can lead to vasodilation and increased permeability of blood vessels, causing a significant drop in blood pressure and reduced blood flow to vital organs. This is characterized by the presence of sepsis, where the infection itself is often accompanied by symptoms like fever, increased heart rate, and altered mental status.

In contrast, the other types of shock do not have a direct association with systemic infection. Cardiogenic shock primarily results from the heart's inability to pump adequately, anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction rather than an infection, and neurogenic shock occurs due to loss of sympathetic tone, often following spinal cord injury or significant trauma. Each of these conditions has a different underlying mechanism and set of causes unrelated to systemic infection.