Acute epiglottitis and bacteremia with ampicillin-resistant Haemophilus influenzae.

Abstract

Acute epiglottitis in adults occurs more frequently than generally realized. Haemophilus influenzae type b is the major causative agent. While H influenzae resistant to ampicillin sodium has been associated with epiglottitis in children, no adult cases have been reported. We describe a 48-year-old woman with epiglottitis and associated typical rapid onset of sore throat, fever, respiratory distress, and swollen, red supraglottic structures. Blood cultures were positive for beta-lactamase-producing, ampicillin-resistant H influenzae. We conclude that H influenzae resistant to ampicillin should be considered when diagnosing and treating adult epiglottitis.

• Authors: G J Gorse, V Passy, T C Cesario
• Journal: Archives of otolaryngology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960) (Arch Otolaryngol) Vol. 108 Issue 8 Pg. 515-6 (Aug 1982) ISSN: 0003-9977 [Print] United States
• PMID: 6980642 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Ampicillin

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Ampicillin (therapeutic use)
• Epiglottis
• Female
• Haemophilus Infections (drug therapy)
• Haemophilus influenzae (drug effects)
• Humans
• Laryngitis (drug therapy, etiology)
• Middle Aged
• Sepsis (drug therapy, etiology)