Which pathogen is known for commonly causing infections in cancer patients?

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a pathogen particularly notorious for causing infections in cancer patients due to its resistance to multiple antibiotics and its ability to thrive in a variety of environments, including hospital settings. Cancer patients often have compromised immune systems, either due to the cancer itself or as a consequence of treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, making them more susceptible to infections.

Pseudomonas can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and bloodstream infections, which are especially concerning in immunosuppressed individuals. The presence of neutropenia, a common side effect of cancer treatment, increases the risk of infections from opportunistic pathogens like Pseudomonas, which is why medical professionals closely monitor cancer patients for signs of infection and initiate early treatment when necessary.

The other pathogens listed, such as Streptococci and Staphylococci, can also cause infections in high-risk patients, but Pseudomonas is particularly known for its severity and prevalence in the context of cancer-associated infections. Hepatitis B, on the other hand, primarily causes liver disease and is not typically classified among the common pathogens that lead to infections in cancer patients.