Update on infections in neutropenic hosts

The incidence of neutropenia has increased owing to more aggressive treatment of cancer. The most frequent complication seen in neutropenic patients is infection. Over the past several years, there has been a change in the types of organism seen as major pathogens in neutropenia-induced infections. With the emergence of new antimicrobial agents and other immunomodulating agents, there has been much change in the therapy for these infections. The author provides an update on the causes of and the therapy for infections in neutropenic patients.