Recurrent posttraumatic meningitis due to nontypable Haemophilus influenzae: case report and review of the literature

Infection. 2008 Feb;36(1):74-7. doi: 10.1007/s15010-007-6048-5. Epub 2007 Oct 9.

Abstract

We report a case of relapsing Haemophilus influenzae meningitis in a boy at the age of nearly 3 years and 4.2 years who had been successfully vaccinated against H. influenzae serotype b (Hib). The pathogen was a nonencapsulated (nontypable) H. influenzae strain of biotypes III and VI, respectively. A rhinobasal impalement injury with development of a posttraumatic encephalocele is considered to be the predisposing condition. Review of the literature reveals that in patients systemically infected by nonencapsulated H. influenzae strains predisposing factors such as cerebrospinal fluid-shunts, implants and traumas are often found. To obtain further information on potential new disease patterns H. influenzae isolates from cerebrospinal fluid should be examined for capsule production and, if relevant, further characterized by capsular typing.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bacterial Typing Techniques
  • Cefotaxime / administration & dosage
  • Cefotaxime / therapeutic use
  • Child, Preschool
  • Haemophilus Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Haemophilus influenzae / classification
  • Haemophilus influenzae / immunology
  • Haemophilus influenzae / isolation & purification*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Haemophilus / drug therapy
  • Meningitis, Haemophilus / immunology
  • Meningitis, Haemophilus / microbiology*
  • Meningitis, Haemophilus / prevention & control
  • Recurrence

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Haemophilus Vaccines
  • Cefotaxime