Infections in neutropenic patients I: aetiology.
Improvement in supportive care including the introduction of new antibiotics, antiviral and antifungal agents and haematopoietic growth factors have all contributed to a decreased chemotherapy-related mortality and morbidity in cancer patients. However, infections/septic shock during neutropenia still constitutes a major threat to these patients. Most patients develop fever during neutropenia and in 20-40% a manifest bacteremia is documented. In patients with prolonged neutropenia, the risk for fungal infections is increased. The spectrum of bacterial, fungal and viral infections in the neutropenic patient is reviewed.
Engervall
P
P
Department of Medicine, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Björkholm
M
M
D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D009181:Mycoses / Q000209:etiology*; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000150:complications* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000821:virology; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000209:etiology*