Patients with cancer are at increased risk of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections and central line-associated bloodstream infections, suffering from higher infection rates and mortality than the general hospital population. Standardized surveillance and reporting are essential to manage and mitigate these risks effectively. However, current systems and definitions are not specifically designed for patients with cancer, leading to variations in clinical practices and challenges in accurately capturing and addressing these infections due to the unique needs of this group.

To tackle these issues, this review recommends a global collaborative effort to harmonize infection surveillance tailored to patients with cancer, which would enhance the accuracy of data and the effectiveness of interventions. There is a significant need for precise definitions that can distinguish between infections caused by gastrointestinal translocation and those from central lines—critical for effective assessment and prevention in immunocompromised patients. Improved surveillance protocols could significantly enhance patient safety and reduce the incidence of preventable harm in hospital settings.

Reference: MacPhail A, Dendle C, Slavin M, McQuilten Z. Hospital-acquired bloodstream infections in cancer patients: current knowledge and future directions. J Hosp Infect. 2024:S0195-6701(24)00083-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2024.03.002.