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Meningitis and septicaemia due to a multiply resistant strain of Haemophilus influenzae type b
Abstract:
A case of meningitis and septicaemia caused by a multiply resistant strain of Haemophilus influenzae in a Saudi infant aged 7 months is reported. Haemophilus influenzae, resistant to ampicillin and chloramphenicol, was isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid, the blood and throat. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for ampicillin and chloramphenicol were 64 mg/l and 16 mg/l respectively. After failure of initial therapy with high doses of ampicillin and chloramphenicol, the child made a full and uneventful recovery when treated with cefotaxime. The implications of isolating such a strain on the policy for treating meningitis in our situation are discussed.
Insights
A 7-month-old Saudi infant with meningitis and septicaemia recovered after treatment with cefotaxime. This was due to a multiply resistant Haemophilus influenzae strain, resistant to ampicillin and chloramphenicol.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Meningitis and septicaemia pose significant risks to infants.
- Haemophilus influenzae is a common cause of bacterial meningitis.
- Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global health concern.
Observation:
- A 7-month-old infant in Saudi Arabia presented with meningitis and septicaemia.
- The causative agent was identified as a multiply resistant strain of Haemophilus influenzae.
- The strain exhibited resistance to both ampicillin and chloramphenicol, with high Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC).
Findings:
- Initial treatment with high-dose ampicillin and chloramphenicol failed to resolve the infection.
- The infant achieved a full recovery following treatment with cefotaxime.
- This case highlights the emergence of multidrug-resistant H. influenzae.
Implications:
- The findings necessitate a review of current meningitis treatment protocols in the region.
- Surveillance for antimicrobial resistance in H. influenzae is crucial.
- Cefotaxime appears to be an effective alternative for treating infections caused by resistant strains.