Clinical and Microbiological Profile of Pathogens in Febrile Neutropenia in Hematological Malignancies: A Single Center Prospective Analysis

Background. Febrile neutropenia is the consequence of treatment of hematological disorders. The first-line empirical treatment should cover the prevalent microorganism of the institute. The aim of study was to establish the effectiveness of current practices used at the institution and to review the culture sensitivity pattern of isolated microorganisms. Patients and Methods. Data was recorded and analyzed prospectively for 226 hospitalized patients of febrile neutropenia from January 2011 till December 2013. Results. Out of 226 cases, 173 were males and 53 were females. Clinically documented infections were 104 (46.01%) and microbiologically documented infections were 80 (35.39%), while 42 (18.58%) had pyrexia of undetermined origin. Gram negative infections accounted for 68 (85%) and Escherichia coli was the commonest isolate. Gram positive microorganisms were isolated in 12 (15%) cases and most common was Staphylococcus aureus. First-line empirical treatment with piperacillin/tazobactam and amikacin showed response in 184 patients (85.9%) till 72 hours. Conclusion. There is marked decline in infections due to Gram positive microorganisms; however, Gram negative infections are still of great concern and need further surveillance. In this study the antibiogram has shown its sensitivity for empirical antibiotic therapy used; hence, it supports continuation of the same practice.