Early Onset Nontypable Haemophilus influenzae Sepsis in a Preterm Newborn Infant

We present a case of fulminant neonatal sepsis caused by nontypable Haemophilus influenzae and discuss some potential prevention measures. A 33-year-old pregnant woman delivered a 1,166 g male neonate at 27 weeks and 2 days of gestation. He died 5 hours after birth. Haemophilus influenzae was isolated from the amniotic fluid, maternal vaginal discharge, placenta, neonatal oral cavity, neonatal skin, and neonatal stool. These isolates were found to be nontypable by polymerase chain reaction and sensitive to ampicillin. Placental histopathology revealed acute chorioamnionitis without cord phlebitis or arteritis. An autopsy found no colonization of gram-negative cocobacilli in the organs including the lungs. These results suggest that acute intrapartum nontypable Haemophilus influenzae infection can cause fulminant and invasive neonatal sepsis. Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis may be useful for prevention.