Lower Limb Infection in an Infant with Haemophilus influenzae Serotype b

Abstract

We describe a rare case of lower leg infection caused by Haemophilus influenzae serotype b (Hib) in a previously healthy 14-month-old boy. In primary care, H. influenzae is a common pathogen affecting children, and which causes respiratory and central nervous system infection alike. Conversely, skin and soft tissue infections caused by Hib are a somewhat rare occurrence. Beta-lactamase-negative ampicillin-resistant strains have been spreading throughout Japan, although the type of Hib in our case was cephalosporin-sensitive. As a result, we need to pay attention to Hib infection in various clinical settings.