Intrauterine fetal death caused by Haemophilus influenzae infection: a case report

Haemophilus influenzae is a rare cause of intrauterine infection, with the potential to cause severe morbidity and mortality in the perinate.

An 18-year-old primigravida presented at 32 weeks' gestation with sudden-onset abdominal pain and abrupt cessation of fetal movements. Intrauterine fetal death was confirmed. At necropsy the fetus had multiorgan hemorrhage. H influenzae was cultured from the amniotic membranes and ear canal fluid. The mother was readmitted on postpartum day 2 with fever. Her blood cultures were also positive for H influenzae.

H influenzae may cause ascending fetal infection and death and may cause maternal sepsis by fetomaternal transmission.