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Neonatal meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae type c
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|January 1, 1981
Summary
Haemophilus influenzae type c caused a severe infection in a newborn. Prompt diagnosis and treatment with chloramphenicol were crucial for recovery, highlighting challenges in managing this rare pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal infections
- Bacterial pathogenesis
- Clinical microbiology
Background:
- Haemophilus influenzae is a significant cause of bacterial infections in children.
- While serotypes a, b, e, and f are common, type c is a rare cause of invasive disease.
- Neonatal sepsis requires prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Observation:
- A 3-day-old infant presented with symptoms of severe infection.
- Haemophilus influenzae type c was identified in blood and cerebrospinal fluid.
- Initial antibiotic therapy with ampicillin, cloxacillin, and gentamicin was ineffective.
Findings:
- The infant developed hemiparesis after three days of initial treatment.
- Changing antibiotics to chloramphenicol led to clinical improvement.
- This case highlights the potential for Haemophilus influenzae type c to cause severe neonatal disease.
Implications:
- Early identification of rare H. influenzae serotypes is critical for effective treatment.
- Antibiotic resistance patterns in H. influenzae necessitate careful drug selection.
- This case underscores the importance of considering less common pathogens in neonatal sepsis.