Abstract
BackgroundTo describe two cases of neonatal (HI) early onset septicaemia.Case 1Female infant born at term to a 25 years old primigravida. Mother had pyrexia one hour post-delivery. Septic screen performed and IV antibiotics started. Afterwards, mother remained clinically well and no organisms were isolated in her blood culture. At 12 hrs of age the newborn developed pyrexia, poor feeding and hypertonia. Full septic screen was obtained and antibiotics were started. Bloods showed leucopenia, neutropenia and high CRP, and her blood culture grew H. influenzae (HI) at 48 hours of age for which antibiotics were adjustment according to sensitivity. PCR test confirmed non-type able H. influenzae (NTHi). Antibiotic course completed and follow up at 2 months showed normal growth development.Case 226 years old presented with reduced fetal movement and light vaginal bleeding. Bloods showed leucocytosis & neutrophilia. Chorioamnionitis suspected and antibiotics commenced. Her blood culture grew (HI) at 31 hours post incubation with no growth reported on her HVS or MSU. Six hours later, a baby boy was delivered at term. He was admitted to NICU for intermittent grunting. Septic screen performed and antibiotics started and further adjusted according to sensitivity. Only blood PCR test detected (HI) type B (Hib) with no growth on blood culture. He was discharged home in a good condition after antibiotics course completed. Placental swabs showed (HI) on the placental fetal surface.Discussion(HI) should be considered as a potential maternal, fetal and neonatal pathogen. However, HI infection became much less since the introduction of Hib vaccine. (HI) growth in maternal vaginal swabs should always be reported by the laboratory to the requesting clinician. Specimens collected from the placenta or vagina of pregnant mothers showing signs of premature rupture of the membranes, chorioamnionitis and antepartum or post-partum sepsis should be inoculated onto agar selective for (HI), in order to ensure recovery of this pathogen. (NTHi) have been recognized as obstetrics and gynecology pathogens. Since its significant morbidity and mortality, incorporating a screening protocol to detect colonization may have beneficial effects.