ABSTRACT
Smoking is directly related to an increased risk of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Hemophilus injluenzae sinopulmonary infection. Patients with head and neck cancer have an increased risk of penicillin-resistant pneumococcal infections compared to other malignancies [1]. These patients also have a defect in the fibronectin lining of the respiratory tract, which increases colonization of gram-negative bacilli, especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Chronically ill patients with frequent hospitalizations are also at risk for methicillin-resistant Staphylocuccus aureus (MRSA) colonization and infection. The risks for MRSA colonization and infection include prolonged hospitalization, intensive-care stay, prolonged antimicrobial therapy, surgery, and close proximity to patients with MRSA infection, both in the hospital and via household contact [2]. Patients colonized with MRSA are at risk for MRSA wound infections.
