Fulminant Branhamella catarrhalis tracheitis

Branhamella catarrhalis, a well known commensal of the normal respiratory flora, is being increasingly implicated as an aetiological agent in various acute respiratory and non-respiratory infections. B. catarrhalis has demonstrated a particular predilection for turning pathogenic in the immunocompromised host. Bacterial tracheitis, presenting as an acute airway obstruction, is commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenzae. The unusual occurrence of a fulminant B. catarrhalis bacterial tracheitis in a previously normal and healthy Indian child is the subject of this communication.