Culture and sensitivity in breast cancer patients with sepsis: A retrospective observational study

Background: Sepsis is a life-threatening complication in breast cancer patients, particularly those undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Immunosuppression, neutropenia, and mucosal damage increase infection risk. Early identification of causative organisms and their antibiotic resistance patterns is critical for effective management.Aims and Objective: To assess the microbiological spectrum, antibiotic sensitivity profiles, and treatment correlations in breast cancer patients presenting with sepsis.Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted from January 2022 to April 2024 at a tertiary care cancer center in Uttarakhand. Breast cancer patients aged 18–75 years with clinical sepsis and culture-positive infections were included. Data regarding cancer treatment, timing of sepsis onset, site of infection, organisms isolated, and antimicrobial sensitivity were collected and analyzed.Results: Of 28 breast cancer patients presenting with sepsis, 11 (39.3%) had positive microbial cultures. The most frequent site of infection was the urinary tract (45.4%), followed by bloodstream and respiratory tract (27.3% each). Escherichia coli was the most common isolate (36.3%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (27.2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18.1%), and MRSA (18.1%). Most Gram-negative organisms exhibited resistance to ciprofloxacin and third-generation cephalosporins but retained sensitivity to carbapenems, amikacin, and colistin. MRSA isolates were sensitive to vancomycin and linezolid. The AC (Adriamycin + Cyclophosphamide) regimen was the most common chemotherapy (60.9%). Sepsis most commonly occurred within 7–14 days of recent chemotherapy.Conclusion: Gram-negative organisms predominate in breast cancer patients with sepsis. The high rate of antimicrobial resistance highlights the need for empirical regimens guided by culture results and institutional antibiograms. Early recognition and appropriate treatment can reduce morbidity and improve outcomes in this vulnerable group.