Haemophilus influenzae septic abortion.

BACKGROUND

Haemophilus influenzae septic abortion is typically caused by nontypeable strains of the organism. Furthermore, nontypeable species with a special affinity for the genital tract are the most frequent isolates encountered, and an ascending vaginal or cervical infection is often the suspected route of transmission.

CASE: A 39-year-old woman at 8 weeks gestation who underwent dilation, evacuation, and curettage for embryonic demise had clinical evidence for sepsis and isolation of a nontypeable, ampicillin resistant H. influenzae from blood cultures. Although an ascending vaginal infection was suspected, the route of transmission was not determined.

CONCLUSION

Nontypeable strains of. H. influenzae have demonstrated increased beta-lactamase activity, and ampicillin, formerly the treatment of choice, should be used only if isolate susceptibility is known.