Hospital-acquired bloodstream infections in patients with cancer: current knowledge and future directions
Journal Title
Journal of Hospital Infection
Publication Type
Review
Abstract
Patients with cancer experience higher rates of preventable harm from hospital-acquired bloodstream infections (haBSIs) and central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) compared with the general hospital population. The prevention of haBSIs and CLABSIs in patients with cancer is an urgent priority, and requires standardized surveillance and reporting efforts. The application of haBSI and CLABSI definitions, classification systems and surveillance strategies for patients with cancer is complex, and there is wide variation in clinical practice. Existing systems were not designed explicitly for patients with cancer, and have different strengths and weaknesses in the cancer setting. For these reasons, epidemiological estimates of haBSIs and CLABSIs in patients with cancer also require careful interpretation. This complexity can be a barrier to identifying appropriate targets for intervention and reducing preventable harm. This review provides an overview of key concepts and challenges in haBSI surveillance and prevention specific to patients with cancer. In addition, this review summarizes the strengths and weaknesses of commonly used surveillance definitions and denominators in the setting of cancer care; existing surveillance practice; epidemiology of haBSIs and CLABSIs; prevention strategies; and current knowledge gaps. A global collaborative effort to harmonize the surveillance of hospital-acquired infections in patients with cancer would be invaluable to improve the accuracy and utility of existing data, advance efforts to prevent hospital-acquired infections, and improve patient safety.
Publisher
Elsevier
Keywords
Humans; *Cross Infection/epidemiology/prevention & control; *Neoplasms/complications/epidemiology; *Catheter-Related Infections/epidemiology/prevention & control; Epidemiological Monitoring; Infection Control/methods; Sepsis/epidemiology/etiology; Bacteremia/epidemiology/prevention & control; Cancer; Catheter-related infections; Epidemiology; Healthcare-associated infections
Department(s)
Infectious Diseases
Open Access at Publisher's Site
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2024.03.002
Terms of Use/Rights Notice
Refer to copyright notice on published article.


Creation Date: 2024-07-17 12:29:12
Last Modified: 2024-07-17 12:29:20

© 2024 The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. Access to this website is subject to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

An error has occurred. This application may no longer respond until reloaded. Reload 🗙