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Abstract:
Although Hemophilus influenzae is a common cause of meningitis, other members of the Hemophilus genus are rarely the infecting organism. Of 56 cases of meningitis due to Hemophilus species obseved at one hospital in the period 1970-74, 53 were due to H. influenzae and 3 to H. parainfluenzae. In the cases of H. parainfluenzae meningitis the clinical picture was complicated by associated sepsis, and therapy with ampicillin was not entirely satisfactory.
Insights
While Hemophilus influenzae frequently causes meningitis, this study found rare cases of H. parainfluenzae meningitis. These rare infections were linked to sepsis and showed limited response to ampicillin treatment.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Hemophilus influenzae is a primary cause of bacterial meningitis.
- Other Hemophilus species are infrequently implicated in meningitis cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and clinical characteristics of meningitis caused by different Hemophilus species.
- To evaluate treatment outcomes for rare Hemophilus species meningitis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 56 meningitis cases caused by Hemophilus species.
- Clinical data review for cases occurring between 1970-1974.
Main Results:
- 53 out of 56 cases were attributed to Hemophilus influenzae.
- 3 cases were caused by Hemophilus parainfluenzae.
- H. parainfluenzae meningitis cases presented with associated sepsis and were difficult to treat with ampicillin.
Conclusions:
- Hemophilus parainfluenzae is a rare but significant cause of meningitis.
- Associated sepsis and ampicillin treatment failure complicate H. parainfluenzae meningitis.
- Further research into optimal therapies for H. parainfluenzae meningitis is warranted.