Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 24, 2026
HPLC-based Assay to Monitor Extracellular Nucleotide/Nucleoside Metabolism in Human Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Cells
Published on: July 20, 2016
Bloodstream infections in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a longitudinal single-center study
Christian Kjellander1,2, Magnus Björkholm3, Owe Källman4
1Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Solna and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. Christian.Kjellander@karolinska.se.
Insights
Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are a major concern for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. This study found no significant temporal changes in the distribution of bacterial causes of BSIs in CLL patients between 1988 and 2006.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Infectious complications are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
- Understanding the trends in bloodstream infections (BSIs) is crucial for managing CLL patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate temporal trends in the causative agents of bloodstream infections (BSIs) among patients diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of blood culture data from CLL patients in Sweden (1988-2006).
- Data linked with Swedish Cancer Registry, Cause of Death Registry, and Swedish Patient Registry.
- Patients divided into three time periods based on CLL diagnosis year.
Main Results:
- Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus were common BSI pathogens.
- Coagulase-negative staphylococci were frequent but often contaminants.
- No significant temporal change in the proportion of Gram-positive to Gram-negative bacteria causing BSIs was observed.
Conclusions:
- The etiological distribution of BSIs in CLL patients remained stable from 1988 to 2006.
- This stability suggests consistent management strategies may be effective, but ongoing surveillance is warranted.
Abstract:
Infectious complications in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The aim of the study was to investigate temporal trends in bloodstream infections (BSIs) among patients with CLL. Individuals with blood cultures were linked to Swedish Cancer Registry and divided into three time periods (1988-1993, 1994-1999, and 2000-2006) according to year of CLL diagnosis. CLL patients (n = 275) with 1092 blood culture episodes were identified and linked to the nationwide Cause of Death Registry and Swedish Patient Registry (to retrieve information on splenectomies). The most common causes of BSI among CLL patients were Escherichia coli (11/43, 15/78, and 9/33), Streptococcus pneumoniae (7/43, 13/78, and 6/33), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2/43, 8/78, and 3/33), Staphylococcus aureus (1/43, 6/78, and 6/33), and Viridans streptococci (5/43, 6/78, and 2/33). Coagulase-negative staphylococci was the most frequent microorganism found in blood cultures (22/70, 23/106, and 5/41, respectively) but is a frequent contaminant. Based on the largest study to date on BSI in CLL patients, we found a stable proportion of Gram-positive to Gram-negative bacteria and no temporal change of distribution was observed for BSIs 1988-2006.
More Related Videos
11:39Subcellular Fractionation of Primary Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Cells to Monitor Nuclear/Cytoplasmic Protein Trafficking
Published on: October 23, 2019
13:21Comprehensive DNA Methylation Analysis Using a Methyl-CpG-binding Domain Capture-based Method in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients
Published on: June 16, 2017