Infectious complications of marrow transplant: risk factors for infection.

Severe infection is a predictable accompaniment of marrow transplant. Advances in therapy for bacterial and some viral infections have reduced the impact of these infections. In contrast, infection due to fungi continue to play a major and even increasing role. The relationship between GVHD and infection is poorly understood, although it is clear that GVHD (and perhaps its treatment) has a major influence on the acquisition and outcome of infection. Advances in the prevention and treatment of GVHD will undoubtedly have parallel benefits in the prevention of infection after marrow transplant.