Gram-negative bacterial bloodstream infections in cancer patients: a study of epidemiological trends and antibiotic susceptibility
A study from Ankara Bilkent City Hospital (2019–2023) examined 569 Gram-negative bloodstream infections (BSIs) in 435 cancer and hematology patients. The most common pathogens were E. coli (40.6%), Klebsiella spp. (28.8%), and Pseudomonas spp. (9.1%). Alarmingly, 47.7% of isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR) and 26.7% produced extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL).
Resistance levels were particularly high for Klebsiella spp. (56.1% MDR; 27.4% carbapenem-resistant) and Acinetobacter spp. (56.5% MDR; 52.2% carbapenem-resistant). Meropenem susceptibility remained relatively high for E. coli (93.4%) but was notably lower for Klebsiella (79.1%) and Pseudomonas (72.9%).
The findings reveal a worrying burden of MDR and carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative infections in immunocompromised cancer patients, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger antimicrobial stewardship, revised treatment guidelines, and novel therapeutic options.
OUR UNDERWRITERS
Unrestricted financial support by:
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Antimicrobial Resistance Fighter Coalition |
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Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre |
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INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURERS & ASSOCIATIONS |
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BD |
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