Acute epiglottitis and bacteremia with ampicillin-resistant Haemophilus influenzae

Acute epiglottitis in adults occurs more frequently than generally realized. Haemophilus influenzae type b is the major causative agent. While H influenzae resistant to ampicillin sodium has been associated with epiglottitis in children, no adult cases have been reported. We describe a 48-year-old woman with epiglottitis and associated typical rapid onset of sore throat, fever, respiratory distress, and swollen, red supraglottic structures. Blood cultures were positive for beta-lactamase-producing, ampicillin-resistant H influenzae. We conclude that H influenzae resistant to ampicillin should be considered when diagnosing and treating adult epiglottitis.