An insect bite becomes infected, pneumonia is not recognized in time, germs enter the body after an operation: What begins harmlessly can turn into sepsis - a life-threatening blood poisoning. Every year, around 75,000 people die from sepsis in Germany. Many of these deaths could be avoided. Leipzig University Hospital is now launching a major project to improve treatment nationwide.
The project is called optiSEP and is receiving 7.5 million euros in funding from the Innovation Committee of the Federal Joint Committee. Leipzig University Hospital is leading the research network. Partners are university hospitals from Essen, Göttingen, Magdeburg and Aachen. The work will begin in September 2026 and run for three and a half years.
Digital data to help save lives
The problem often lies not only in medicine itself, but also in the transitions between different wards. The ambulance service takes a patient to the emergency room, from there to the intensive care unit and later to rehabilitation. Important information can be lost with each change. "With optiSEP, we are creating the conditions to combine modern diagnostics, digital data streams and structured treatment paths in such a way that patients benefit faster and in a more targeted manner," says Dr. Alexandra Ramshorn-Zimmer from Leipzig University Hospital. She initiated and leads the project.
The researchers want to digitally link all treatment data and make it usable. On this basis, computer programs are to be developed that recognize dangerous progressions earlier and support doctors in making decisions. In addition, standardized treatment steps will be developed so that treatment is carried out according to the latest medical standards everywhere. Ramshorn-Zimmer explains that the aim is not only to analyze the supply chain, but also to improve it in such a way that less information is lost at the interfaces and the quality of treatment increases measurably.
New method detects pathogens faster
An important component is a modern examination method called next-generation sequencing. It can identify pathogens directly via their genetic material. Conventional laboratory tests often take several days because bacteria first have to be grown in cultures. Some pathogens cannot be detected in this way. The new method is faster and also finds difficult germs. This helps to adapt treatment with antibiotics earlier.
"Sepsis knows no sector boundaries. For successful treatment, the rescue service, emergency room, intensive care unit and rehabilitation must work seamlessly together," says Prof. Felix Walcher from the University Medical Center Magdeburg. OptiSEP combines modern computer aids, new examination methods and clear treatment steps to improve patient care from the ambulance to rehabilitation. The project builds on the experience of its predecessor, DigiSep, and could later serve as a model for other diseases.
