Congenital vesicular eruption caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b

We report a case of perinatal infection that we believe is the first documented report of a congenital vesicular eruption due to Haemophilus influenzae type b and the second report of puerperal sepsis with this organism. A vesicular eruption was noted at birth on an infant delivered at 37 weeks following 34 hours' premature rupture of membranes. Gram-negative rods were seen on Gram stain of vesicular fluid, and H. influenzae type b grew on cultures of vesicular fluid. The mother sustained postpartum septicemia with the same organism. Amnionitis and funistis were demonstrated histologically. Results of all viral studies were negative. Infant and mother did well with antibiotic therapy.