Prevention of Infection in Patients With Hematologic Cancer and Persistent Fever Caused by a Low White Blood Cell Count

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Leukemia, lymphoma, or Hodgkin's disease OR Stem cell transplantation or bone marrow transplantation (allogenic or autologous) for a neoplastic disease Absolute granulocyte count no greater than 1,000/mm3 anticipated to fall below 500/mm3 within 24-48 hours, and expected to last for longer than 7 days from onset of fever Fever (i.e., oral or axillary temperature at least 38.5 degrees C or 101.3 degrees F once, or at least 38 degrees C or 100.4 degrees F on two or more occasions separated at least by 1 hour during a 12 hour period) Presumed infection PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 2 and over Performance status: Not moribund or comatose for any reason with little hope of recovery Life expectancy: At least 48 hours Hematopoietic: See Disease Characteristics Hepatic: No hepatic stupor or coma Renal: Adults: No renal failure requiring hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis OR Creatinine no greater than 2.25 mg/dL OR Creatinine clearance at least 40 mL/min Children: No renal impairment (i.e., creatinine greater than upper limit of normal) Pulmonary: No lung infiltrate Other: No known allergy to piperacillin, tazobactam, or vancomycin No history of immediate or accelerated reaction to beta-lactam antibiotics No prior inclusion in this study No catheter related infection No known HIV infection Not pregnant or nursing PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: See Disease Characteristics Chemotherapy: Not specified Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy:…