Introduction
The objective of this study was to evaluate six general symptoms as markers for severe sepsis in patients with suspected bacterial infections. Severe sepsis is a common cause of death and morbidity. Early detection and treatment is critical for outcome. Clinical presentation varies widely and no single test is able to discriminate severe sepsis from uncomplicated infections or non-infectious emergencies. Apart from local symptoms of infection, the systemic inflammatory reaction itself may give rise to general symptoms such as muscle weakness and vomiting.