[Early bacterial infections after allogenic bone marrow grafts].

The bacterial infections occurring during the period of neutropenia have been reviewed in a series of 100 allogeneic bone marrow transplant patients. Forty episodes of septicaemia were observed, in 37 patients, with a large majority of Gram positive organisms (thirty cases). Only one case of major local infection occurred (Gram negative meningitis). A non-bacterial infection was seen in 10 patients, and 36 patients presented with fever of unknown origin. Three patients who failed to engraft died of bacterial infection. Surveillance cultures showed that upper respiratory tract was a frequent site of invasion, not only for Gram positive, but also for Gram negative organisms (Pseudomonas aeruginosa).