A severe infection could decrease blood pressure by causing?

A severe infection could decrease blood pressure by causing vasodilation.

Vasodilation is the widening of blood vessels. When blood vessels widen, the resistance to blood flow decreases, which causes blood pressure to drop.

A severe infection can cause vasodilation by releasing chemicals that cause the blood vessels to relax. These chemicals include nitric oxide, prostaglandins, and histamine.

Vasodilation can also occur as a result of fluid loss. When a person is dehydrated, the blood volume decreases, which causes the blood vessels to constrict. However, if the person is given intravenous fluids, the blood volume will increase and the blood vessels will dilate.

Vasodilation can be a dangerous complication of a severe infection. It can lead to shock, which is a life-threatening condition. Shock occurs when the blood pressure drops so low that the organs do not receive enough blood.