Abstract

Bacterial infection following cancer chemotherapy-induced neutropenia is a serious cause of morbidity and mortality in human and veterinary patients. Antimicrobial prophylaxis is controversial in the human oncology field, as any decreased incidence in bacterial infections is countered by patient adverse effects and increased antimicrobial resistance. Comprehensive guidelines exist to aid human oncologists in prescribing antimicrobial prophylaxis but similar recommendations are not available in veterinary literature. As the veterinarian's role in antimicrobial stewardship is increasingly emphasized, it is vital that veterinary oncologists implement appropriate antimicrobial use. By considering the available human and veterinary literature we present an overview of current clinical practices and are able to suggest recommendations for prophylactic antimicrobial use in veterinary cancer chemotherapy patients.

Highlights

  • The aim of antimicrobial prophylaxis is to administer antimicrobials to patients considered to be at risk of infection in order to prevent an infection from developing

  • Antimicrobial stewardship among veterinary practitioners is key in reducing the selection pressure for resistant bacteria[3] with the American Veterinary Medical Association urging vets to “commit to stewardship.”[4]. The British Veterinary Association's 7-point plan for the responsible use of antimicrobials goes a step further to advise minimizing prophylactic antimicrobial use.[5]

  • The risk of febrile neutropenia appears to be lower in veterinary patients, with most studies reporting rates of less than 10%

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Summary

Edinburgh Research Explorer

Antibiotic prophylaxis in veterinary cancer chemotherapy: a review and recommendations. Citation for published version: Bisson, J, Argyle, D & Argyle, S 2018, 'Antibiotic prophylaxis in veterinary cancer chemotherapy: a review and recommendations.', Veterinary and Comparative Oncology, vol 16, no.

REVIEW ARTICLE
| INTRODUCTION
Findings
Use should be considered

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