Bacterial translocation: nursing implications in the care of patients with neutropenia

To describe bacterial translocation; the potential causes and influencing factors of bacterial translocation; the anatomy, physiology, and immunology of the small intestine; and the significance of bacterial translocation in patients with cancer.

Published articles and books, as well as clinical experience.

50% of infections in patients with cancer who are neutropenic result from endogenous sources such as the normal microbial flora of the bowel. This process called bacterial translocation may be responsible for symptoms such as fever of unknown origin in these patients.

Maintaining normal bacterial ecology and mucosal integrity of the bowel can reduce the risk of bacterial translocation.

Care is directed at preventing constipation and maintaining integrity of the normal bowel and microbial flora by providing a low-microbial diet that contains adequate fluid and fiber and by encouraging good oral care.