ABSTRACT
Depending on size, location, and invasiveness, intracranial tumors may produce concurrent neurologic deficits, predisposing to infectious disease. The most significant deficits include reduced levels of consciousness with absent protective reflexes, immobility, and loss of sensation. After initial treatment, patients with brain tumors may show cognitive changes (80%), hemi-or tetraparesis (78%), sensory loss (38%), bladder and bowel dysfunction (37%), cranial nerve palsy (29%), or dysphagia (26%) [1]. Prolonged hospitalization and stays in nursing homes predispose to colonization with potentially pathogenic and often multiresistant microorganisms. Neurosurgical wounds and devices such as tracheal tubes, central lines, indwelling catheters, or intracranial pressure transducers further increase the probability of infections.
