Branhamella catarrhalis septicemia in an immunocompetent adult.

A 68-year-old man with otitis media developed signs of disseminated intravasal coagulation (DIC) and shock. Beta-lactamase positive Branhamella catarrhalis grew in all blood cultures and in secretion from the middle ear. The patient was immunocompetent and previously healthy. Severe B. catarrhalis septicemia has so far mainly been described in immunocompromised patients, mostly children, but this report shows that it may occasionally occur in immunocompetent adults.