Table 1.

Factors predisposing to infection in cancer patients

Host factors

Disrupted anatomical barriers

Humoral immunodeficiencies

Cell-mediated immunodeficiencies

Organ dysfunction

Concurrent illnesses and past infections

Nutritional status

Psychological stress

Treatment-associated factors

Surgery Radiation therapy

Immunosuppressant therapies

Chemotherapy

Biological response modifiers

Antimicrobial use

Diagnostic and invasive procedures

Central venous catheters

Urinary catheters

Tracheostomy

Blood transfusions