Bacterial Infections in the Stem Cell Transplant Recipient and Hematologic Malignancy Patient

Bacteremia (bloodstream infection) is frequent (20%-30% incidence) in the stem cell transplant and hematologic malignancy population and often occurs in the early post-transplant engraftment period. In most studies, Gram-positive bacteria occur at greater frequency than gram-negative bacteria, although some centers report that rates of gram-negative bloodstream infections have recently increased. In many centers, resistance rates among Enterococci and gram-negative bacteria, especially the Enterobacteriaceae, are extensive and associated with increased mortality. Better prediction tools, enhanced infection control, and new anti-infective agents hold promise for the treatment of highly resistant pathogens in this population.