Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in cancer patients: have they gone away?

Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection continues to be a threat to cancer patient s, especially if they are neutropenic. As many as 50% of infections are com munity acquired. Prompt, effective therapy results in cures in about 80% of patients, although the presence of shock or pneumonia indicates a poor pro gnosis. Antibiotic resistance is an increasing problem. Curr Opin Infect Di s 14:403-407. (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.