Colonization with Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens in Cancer Patients

Colonization with extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing Enterobacteriaceae or vancomycin-resistant enterococci is a risk factor for bloodstream infections in patients with hematologic or oncologic malignancies.

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBLE) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are increasingly prevalent in the community and can cause infection in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, these pathogens are not covered by most empirically chosen antibiotic regimens for neutropenic fever in such patients.

To determine the prevalence of gut colonization with multidrug-resistant pathogens in cancer patients and to estimate the associated risk for bloodstream infection (BSI), researchers at the University of Cologne, Germany, conducted a prospective, observational study involving people admitted to their hematology/oncology unit between September 2008 and June 2009. Stool samples for ESBLE and VRE test…

Reviewing Author

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection