Health care-associated infections in patients with head and neck cancer treated with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy

Background The incidence of health care-associated infections in patients with head and neck cancer receiving chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy (RT) is unknown. This retrospective study investigated the most common pathogens and their antibiotic sensitivity/resistance patterns in patients with head and neck cancer. Methods Infection rates in patients with head and neck cancer were analyzed over 2 periods (January 2005 to December 2009 and January 2010 to November 2012). Results In the first period, 140 health care-associated infections were observed among 2288 admissions, mostly because of gram-negative pathogens affecting the respiratory tract. In the second period, 212 health care-associated infections were observed. An increase in antibiotic resistance was reported. Health care-associated infections were more frequent with: male sex, age <65 years, important comorbidities, smoking, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), prophylaxis, and/or central venous catheter (CVC), locally advanced disease, and chemotherapy/RT, especially after the third week of treatment. Conclusion Health care-associated infections increased over time, with corresponding increases in gram-negative pathogens and resistant strains. Prevention and treatment protocols should be implemented in institutions treating patients with head and neck cancer.