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.