Abstract: The widespread use of indwelling catheters and successful antibiotic treatment of Gram‐negative infections has led to an increase of Gram‐positive infections in severely neutropenic patients;Staphylococcus epidermidisis predominant in these infections. The problems associated with the use of vancomycin in treating such infections can be overcome by the glycopeptide antibiotic teicoplanin. It is as effective as vancomycin, but does not cause “red man” syndrome, is uncommonly nephrotoxic, can be given as a rapid bolus once daily, and routine serum monitoring is not required. Other approaches to reducing catheter‐related infections include improved training of personnel in catheter insertion and the development of new materials and methods in cannula