Haemophilus parainfluenzae meningitis in an adult associated with acute otitis media

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Rita Cardines1, Maria Giufrè, Marta Luisa Ciofi degli Atti

  • 1Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immune-mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.

The New Microbiologica
|July 8, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Haemophilus parainfluenzae can cause meningitis, even in adults with prior health issues like bladder cancer. This opportunistic pathogen poses a serious threat, highlighting the need for awareness in vulnerable populations.

Area of Science:

  • Clinical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

  • Haemophilus parainfluenzae is a commensal bacterium typically found in the upper respiratory tract.
  • While known to cause localized infections like otitis media, invasive disease is less common, particularly meningitis in adults.
  • Previous medical history, including cancer surgery, can predispose individuals to opportunistic infections.

Observation:

  • A case of Haemophilus parainfluenzae meningitis is presented in an adult female with a recent history of acute otitis media.
  • The patient had a history of bladder cancer surgery, indicating a potentially compromised immune status or underlying condition.
  • Molecular techniques, including 16S rRNA sequencing, were crucial for accurate identification of the pathogen alongside conventional methods.

Findings:

  • The isolate of Haemophilus parainfluenzae was identified definitively using both culture and molecular methods.
  • In vitro analysis revealed the isolate to be susceptible to serum, suggesting that virulence factors beyond serum resistance may contribute to invasiveness.
  • This case underscores the potential for H. parainfluenzae to cause severe, life-threatening infections.

Implications:

  • Haemophilus parainfluenzae should be recognized as an opportunistic pathogen capable of causing serious infections, including meningitis, in adults.
  • Individuals with underlying health conditions or a history of invasive procedures are at increased risk.
  • Further research into the virulence factors of H. parainfluenzae is warranted to understand its invasive potential.

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