Use of quinolones in the immunocompromised host

Immune deficiency generally leads to infections. Cancer chemotherapy, medical interventions and various investigational procedures are important factors in the development of infection. In recent decades, there has been a major change in most cancer centers in the etiology of bacterial infections occurring in the immunocompromised host, most infections now being caused by gram-positive organisms. This might be partly due to prophylactic use of agents effective against gram-negative bacteria. The quinolones are now widely used in the treatment of serious infections of the immunocompromised patient. Prophylaxis with quinolones is also practised in cancer centers.