What is the recommended therapy for an immunocompromised or neutropenic patient presenting with fever and no specific source?

In the case of an immunocompromised or neutropenic patient presenting with fever and no specific source, the recommended therapy is broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy. This approach is crucial because these patients have a significantly reduced ability to fight infections due to their compromised immune systems, making them highly susceptible to a wide variety of pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and sometimes viruses.

Broad-spectrum therapy is employed to provide coverage against a range of potential infectious agents while waiting for laboratory results, which may help identify the specific pathogen responsible. Early initiation of broad-spectrum antibiotics is associated with improved outcomes in febrile neutropenic patients, as delays in treatment can lead to severe complications and increased mortality.

In contrast, narrow-spectrum antibiotic therapy would not be suitable in this scenario, as it lacks the comprehensive coverage necessary for the varied and unknown infectious risks posed to immunocompromised individuals. Antiviral therapy is also not indicated unless there is a specific viral infection suspected. Supportive care is essential in managing these patients but is not sufficient as the sole therapeutic measure in the face of possible severe infections. Thus, broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy is the most appropriate and critical intervention in these situations.