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Infections in adults with cancer in a developing country: a three year prospective study
Abstract:
319 episodes of infections in 174 cancer patients over a period of 3 years are reported in a developing country. 178 episodes were seen in leukaemias, 83 in lymphomas and 58 in other cancers. 146 episodes appeared in 89 neutropenic patients and 173 in non-neutropenic patients. In 163 (51%) episodes positive cultures were obtained with a total of 212 organisms. 192 (90.6%) of the isolates were bacteria; of these 107 (55.7%) were gram positive and 85 (44.3%) were gram negative. The findings are consistent with those reported in developed countries. Most commonly isolated bacteria were: staphylococcus, Escherichia coli, streptococcus, enterobacter, pseudomonas, diphtheroids and salmonella. 15 isolates (7%) were of candida. Most common sites of infection were respiratory tract, kidney and urinary tract and skin. There were a total of 64 deaths: 36 were directly related to infections. 11 of these patients died of hospital acquired infections; most commonly isolated organisms in these infections were staphylococcus, E. coli, pseudomonas and streptococcus.
Insights
Cancer patients in developing countries experience frequent infections, with bacteria like Staphylococcus and E. coli being common culprits. These infections contribute significantly to mortality, highlighting the need for effective infection control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Oncology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Cancer patients, particularly in developing nations, face a high burden of infections.
- Infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised cancer patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the epidemiology and microbiology of infections in cancer patients in a developing country.
- To identify common pathogens and infection sites to inform clinical management and public health strategies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 319 infection episodes in 174 cancer patients over three years.
- Microbiological culture and organism identification from infection sites.
- Analysis of patient data including cancer type, neutropenic status, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Bacteria, predominantly Gram-positive (Staphylococcus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli), were the most common pathogens.
- Respiratory tract, kidney/urinary tract, and skin were the most frequent infection sites.
- Infections contributed to 36 deaths, with hospital-acquired infections caused by Staphylococcus, E. coli, Pseudomonas, and Streptococcus.
Conclusions:
- The spectrum of infections and causative organisms in cancer patients in this developing country mirrors that seen in developed nations.
- Effective infection prevention and control measures are crucial, especially for hospital-acquired infections.
- Targeted antimicrobial strategies based on local resistance patterns are essential for improving outcomes.