Causes and Mechanisms of Fever

Question

What causes fever?

Answer

Fever is triggered by fever-inducing substances that stimulate the production of endogenous pyrogens within the body. These pyrogens act on the hypothalamus in the brain, causing the release of fever-inducing mediators, which in turn alter the temperature regulation set point, ultimately leading to fever. Common fever-inducing substances include external bacteria, viruses, fungi, as well as endogenous pyrogens.