Bloodstream infections in patients with solid tumors

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Microbiology

Background:

• Solid tumors predispose patients to bloodstream infections (BSI).
• Limited data exist on BSI in adult cancer patients with solid tumors.
• Understanding BSI epidemiology and resistance patterns is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the incidence, epidemiology, clinical features, etiology, antimicrobial resistance, and outcomes of BSI in adult cancer patients with solid tumors.
• To identify risk factors and common sources of BSI in this population.
• To highlight the challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on BSI in adult cancer patients with solid tumors.
• Analysis of incidence, epidemiology, clinical presentations, causative agents, resistance patterns, and patient outcomes.
• Synthesis of current knowledge on BSI in this specific patient group.

Main Results:

• Most BSI episodes occur in non-neutropenic patients.
• The urinary tract and abdomen are frequent infection sources; cholangitis is a common recurrent source.
• Gram-negative bacilli are the leading cause of BSI, with increasing multidrug resistance.
• High case-fatality rates are observed, particularly in patients with comorbidities, advanced disease, or shock.

Conclusions:

• BSI poses a significant threat to adult patients with solid tumors.
• Antimicrobial resistance, especially from Gram-negative bacilli, is a growing concern.
• Prompt recognition and management are critical due to high mortality rates.