Bacteremias due to Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae: their occurrence and course in children with cancer
G. R. Siber
Nine Haemophilus influenzae and 24 Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteremias
occurring in children with cancer during the years 1968 to 1977 were
reviewed. The number of bacteremias due to these organisms remained
relatively constant, in contrast with a sharp decrease in bacteremias
caused by other organisms during this period. The highest incidence of
bacteremia occurred in patients with acute leukemias and the lowest
incidence in patients with solid tumors. Twenty-seven of 33 episodes
occurred while patients were receiving chemotherapy. Nine bacteremias were
fatal, but concurrent or superinfections contributed to death in six of
these. Children with cancer who are receiving chemotherapy seem to be at
higher risk of bacteremia and meningitis due to H influenzae and Strep
pneumoniae than are normal children. New approaches to the prevention of
these infections, such as the use of bacterial polysaccharide vaccines,
deserve investigation.
