Haemophilus parainfluenzae as a rare cause of epidural abscess: case report and review

We report a case of epidural abscess due to Haemophilus parainfluenzae. This microorganism is a normal inhabitant of the upper respiratory tract that causes endocarditis and, rarely, other invasive infections. To the best of our knowledge, epidural abscess due to H. parainfluenzae has not been reported previously. A 74-year-old man presented with neck pain and subsequently developed incomplete quadriparesis. A cervical epidural abscess and vertebral osteomyelitis were detected by radiologic studies. Surgical drainage and antibiotic therapy resulted in resolution of the abscess and osteomyelitis, and the neurologic sequelae were minimal. Cultures of the purulent material from the abscess yielded H. parainfluenzae. Descriptions in the literature of infections caused by H. parainfluenzae and the antimicrobial agents used for treatment of these infections are reviewed.