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Haemophilus influenzae meningitis in adults
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Medicine
|April 1, 1982
Summary
Pyogenic Haemophilus influenzae meningitis, rare in adults, was diagnosed in Brisbane. Two of three cases showed ampicillin resistance, highlighting the need for beta-lactamase testing in critical Haemophilus infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
- Neurology
Background:
- Haemophilus influenzae meningitis is typically a pediatric disease.
- Adult meningitis cases are less common and often caused by different pathogens.
- Previous Australian literature has not documented adult pyogenic Haemophilus influenzae meningitis.
Observation:
- Three adult cases of pyogenic Haemophilus influenzae meningitis were identified in Brisbane within a 12-month period.
- This incidence is considered unusual for the adult population.
- Two of the three isolates exhibited resistance to ampicillin.
Findings:
- The observed cases suggest a potential shift in the age specificity of Haemophilus influenzae meningitis.
- Ampicillin resistance in two isolates underscores the importance of detecting beta-lactamase production in Haemophilus strains from severe infections.
- All patients achieved full recovery without lasting complications.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider Haemophilus influenzae as a potential cause of meningitis in adults.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, including beta-lactamase assessment, is crucial for guiding treatment of adult bacterial meningitis.
- The optimal choice of initial antimicrobial therapy for adult meningitis warrants further consideration in light of emerging resistance patterns.