Mitigation strategies among cutaneous T-cell lymphoma patients with positive Staphylococcus aureus skin and soft tissue cultures have unclear impacts on the risk of subsequent bacteremia

Abstract

Infections originating in the skin/soft tissue are a major cause of mortality in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). We performed a retrospective analysis to characterize cutaneous cultures and assess risk factors for bacteremia among 69 patients with CTCL. Cutaneous infections and antimicrobial resistance were common. Black race and lymph node involvement were associated with bacteremia. Mitigating strategies for invasive infections in CTCL remain unclear.

Highlights

• Skin/soft tissue infections are common in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL).

• Black race, lymph node involvement, and positive cultures for S. aureus, Gram-negative bacteria, or multiple organisms were associated with an increased rate of bacteremia.

• The role of antimicrobial prophylaxis and staphylococcus decolonization is unclear.

Keywords:

• Mycosis fungoides
• Sézary syndrome
• cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
• cellulitis
• bacteremia
• prophylaxis

Disclosure statement

PA endorses consultancy for Secure bio, Kyowa Kirin, and Daichii Sankyo, and ADC Therapeutics.

Additional information

Funding

Analysis of the research reported in this publication was supported in part by the Lymphoma Research Foundation Clinical Research and Mentoring Program and Clinical Investigator Career Development Award, and the Conquer Cancer Foundation/American Society of Hematology Career Development Award under Dr. Pamela Allen. It was additionally supported by the Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource of Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University and NIH/NCI under award number P30CA138292.