CD4 and Sepsis: In a random forest prediction model (accuracy: 0.6; precision: 0.5; recall: 0.6; F1-score: 0.5), the best indicators of <i>Mtb</i> as a sepsis pathogen were a greater number of ill-days before presentation (mean decrease in accuracy [MDA] 10.1), younger age (MDA 8.7), a longer duration of cough (MDA 7.7), and low CD4+ T-cell concentration (MDA 3.7).<h4>Interpretation</h4><i>Mtb</i> was the most common pathogen causing sepsis and bloodstream infection and was frequently missed by conventional rapid diagnostics.