PROPHYLAXIS AND THERAPY OF INFECTIONS IN NEUTROPENIC PATIENTS

Studies on prophylaxis of infection in neutropenic patients continue t o dominate the literature, It is clear that vancomycin, quinolones and azole antifungals are effective but must be used with caution; howeve r, superinfection with alpha-haemolytic streptococci, quinolone-resist ant coliforms and the emergence of resistant enterococci are dependent on many factors, not just over-use of particular antibiotics. Azole-p olyene antifungal combinations appear to be effective in animal studie s, Adjunctive treatment with colony-stimulating factors, particularly of established fungal infections and other immunotherapy, remains prom ising but clinical trials are urgently required.