Infection in haematological malignancies.

Fifty-six febrile episodes in 30 haematological malignancy cases were evaluated. Of these episodes 60.7% were in leukaemia cases. Clinical evaluation and investigation suggested infection in 42 episodes (75%) of fever and in rest 14 (25%) no identifiable cause could be found. Bacterial infection predominated with an incidence of 80.9% followed by fungal infection in 11.9% and parasitic infection in 7.1% of the febrile episodes. Gram-negative bacteria were more frequently isolated (22/34) than Gram-positive bacteria (12/34). Staph aureus was the commonest Gram-positive organism. Kl pneumoniae and Esch coli were the common Gram-negative pathogens. The commonest organisms were sensitive to cephalosporin and gentamicin. Incidence of fever due to infection was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in patients with absolute neutropenia, in whom the mortality rate was significantly higher (p < 0.001).