[Type B Haemophilus influenzae cellulitis in an immunocompetent adult]

Only a few cases of Haemophilus influenzae type B cellulitis have been reported in adult patients. They generally involve immunocompromised patients, and are located in the cervico-facial areas.

We report a 43 year-old immunocompetent patient who presented a cellulitis of the leg. No cutaneous or upper respiratory pathways entry portal was found. Abcedation of cutaneous lesions allowed the isolation of numerous colonies of Haemophilus influenzae type B from a subcutaneous fluid aspirate.

The unusual site of the infection, the age and the immunocompetent status of the patient, the lack of initial infectious localisation and the slow healing of lesions despite appropriated antibiotic therapy, are of particular interest.