Infections in neuro-oncology.

Neurol Sci

Neuro-Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria, 11, 20133 Milan, Italy.

Published: November 2011

Infections represent a serious and frequent complication in neuro-oncology patients. Decreased immune defences, along with poor nutritional status are the main predisposition factors. The combined therapeutic strategies of chemotherapy and radiotherapy may favour bone marrow depression and further increase the risk of developing opportunistic infections in brain tumour patients. The spectrum of infections in neuro-oncology patients is large and includes opportunistic infections by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Importantly, a high index of suspicion for opportunistic infections in general should be maintained, especially in glioma patients receiving dose-dense schedules of temozolomide. After neurosurgical procedures, infections most commonly present as meningitis, subdural empyema, or cerebral abscess. Infections represent a frequent and possibly serious complication in general immunocompromised oncology population. It should be underlined that infections are not limited to immunocompromised patients, being also present at the early disease stages, especially due to therapeutic strategies (chemo and radiotherapy, surgical procedures). Therefore this issue deserves more attention in neuroncology setting.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10072-011-0803-1DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

opportunistic infections
12
infections
9
infections neuro-oncology
8
infections represent
8
neuro-oncology patients
8
therapeutic strategies
8
patients
5
neuro-oncology infections
4
represent serious
4
serious frequent
4

Similar Publications

Introduction Complex interactions between cariogenic bacteria and host factors modulate dental caries. , a gram-positive facultative anaerobe plays a prominent role in the initiation of caries. The ability of to adhere to salivary enamel pellicle results in an acidic local habitat for the organism.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen belonging to the γ-proteobacteria family, known to cause pneumonia linked with ventilator use and nosocomial infections. With the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, there is a pressing need to identify alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Plant-derived substances (PDSs) offer potential not only as antibacterial agents but also as modulators of antibiotic resistance.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Development of a novel multi-epitope subunit mRNA vaccine candidate to combat Acinetobacter baumannii.

Sci Rep

January 2025

Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Key Clinical Specialty, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.

Acinetobacter baumannii, an opportunistic bacterium prevalent in various environment, is a significant cause of nosocomial infections in ICUs. As the causative agent of pneumonia, septicemia, and meningitis, A. baumannii typically exhibits multidrug resistance and is associated with poor prognosis, thus led to a challenge for researchers in developing new treatment and prevention methods.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic Gram-negative bacterium capable of causing severe infections in immunocompromised patients such as those suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to determine the resistance profile of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) resistance genes in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Methods: The prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was investigated in 458 patients, including 197 CKD patients and 261 patients suffering from gastrointestinal infections.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Triple-drug antibiotic therapy for disseminated nocardial abscess in the mediastinum and brain of an immunocompetent patient: a case report.

BMC Infect Dis

January 2025

Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Western Theatre Command, No. 270, Tianhui Road, Rongdu Avenue, Jinniu District, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610000, People's Republic of China.

Background: Nocardia are widely present in nature and considered opportunistic pathogens. They can result in hematogenous spread infection through the ruptured skin or respiratory tract when the host's immune system is compromised. Currently, 119 species of Nocardia have been identified, with 54 capable of causing infections in humans.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!