Hemophilus influenzae type B, mediastinitis, cellulitis, bacteremia, and meningitis in an adult.

A 63-year-old woman presented with cellulitis of the upper anterior chest and neck that rapidly extended into an acute mediastinitis. Pleural effusions and meningitis subsequently developed. The infection was due to an ampicillin-susceptible strain of Hemophilus influenzae type B. The patient was treated with and responded to chloramphenicol therapy. No definite predisposing factor could be determined.