Early-onset neonatal sepsis with Haemophilus influenzae in a premature low birth weight newborn – case report

Abstract

Prior to routine active immunization, Haemophilus influenzae was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis and other invasive bacterial disease among children. Although it is listed as one of the pathogenic causes of early-onset neonatal sepsis, it’s a relatively infrequent cause of it. The onset of a clinical syndrome along with isolation of the bacteria in the first 72 hours of life defines neonatal sepsis and often presents as bacteremia, pneumonia or meningitis. We present the case of a preterm low birth weight infant with Haemophilus influenzae sepsis. Considering the high neonatal mortality and morbidity of these infections, cultures should be reconsidered. Prompt antibiotic therapy may not be enough in positive outcome of these patients.