Risk factors for resistant gram-positive bacteremia in febrile neutropenic patients with cancer

Background Gram-positive bacteria are frequently resistant to empirical beta‐lactams in febrile neutropenic patients with cancer. As microbiology and antibiotic susceptibility changes, we reevaluated the risk factors for resistant Gram-positive bacteremia in febrile neutropenic patients with cancer. Methods Episodes of bacteremic febrile neutropenia in Seoul National University Hospital from July 2019 to June 2022 were reviewed. Resistant Gram-positive bacteria were defined as a pathogen susceptible only to glycopeptide or linezolid in vitro (e.g., methicillin-resistant staphylococci, penicillin-resistant viridans streptococci, and ampicillin-resistant enterococci). Episodes were compared to identify independent risk factors for resistant Gram-positive bacteremia. Results Of 225 episodes, 78 (34.7%) involved resistant Gram-positive bacteremia. Multivariate analysis revealed that breakthrough bacteremia while being administered antibiotics (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 6.794; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 3.130–14.749; P < 0.001) and catheter-related infection (aOR 4.039, 95% CI 1.366–11.946; P = 0.012) were associated with resistant Gram-positive bacteremia. Chronic liver disease (aOR 0.231, 95% CI 0.059–0.905; P = 0.035) and hypotension at bacteremia (aOR 0.454, 95% CI 0.218–0.945; P = 0.035) were inversely associated with resistant Gram-positive bacteremia. Conclusions Resistant Gram-positive bacteria should be considered in breakthrough bacteremia and catheter-related infection in febrile neutropenic patients with cancer.