ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 4

Invasive Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Disease
Parker, JR
Medical Student, University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, MO

Overman, J
Chief Medical Examiner, Office of the Medical Examiner and University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, MO

Tepper, SL
City Medical Examiner, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Queens Hospital Center, NY

(Received 28 February 1992; accepted 4 May 1992)

Abstract

Invasive bacterial disease due to Haemophilus influenzae is a cause of sudden death in children. It must be considered by medical examiners when a child dies with a fulminant course and nonspecific symptoms. Three fatal cases are presented in children 7 weeks to 15 months of age. Two had meningitis and petechiae or purpura. All three had bilateral adrenal hemorrhage and a rapidly fatal course.

The potential for rapid and accurate diagnosis of H. influenzae infection is widely available due to latex agglutination technique against bacterial capsular wall antigens. Diagnosis is critical because of its public-health implications. Up to 50% of cases may be acquired in day-care settings. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for household and day care contacts. With the recent introduction of Haemophilus b conjugate vaccines for routine administration to infants beginning at 2 months of age, a change in the epidemiology of the disease is anticipated.

Keywords:
pathology and biology, haemophilus influenzae type b, childhood diseases

Paper ID: JFS13380J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13380J
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