An increased incidence of childhood Haemophilus influenzae disease, predominantly H influenzae type B meningitis, has been both reported1 and refuted.2 Nevertheless, recent reports do suggest a rise in neonatal H influenzae infection, predominantly owing to nontypable or nontype B H influenzae strains.3-11
We describe a neonate with group C H influenzae septicemia.
Report of a Case.—A 3,160-g male infant was born to an 18-year-old woman (gravida 1, para 1) after a 37-week gestation that had been complicated by mild preeclampsia. Fetal membranes ruptured 15 hours before delivery. The infant was delivered by low forceps extraction, and Apgar scores were 7 and 9 at one and five minutes, respectively. A right-sided parietal cephalhematoma, forceps marks, and an abrasion on the right cheek were noted.
At 18 hours of age, the infant had tachypnea, elevated temperature (38.5 °C), diminished activity, and a high-pitched cry. Initial laboratory values at