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. 2002;10(3):161–164. doi: 10.1155/S1064744902000170

Haemophilus influenzae septic abortion.

Thomas L Cherpes 1, Shimon Kusne 1, Sharon L Hillier 1
PMCID: PMC1784615  PMID: 12625973

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Haemophilus influenzae septic abortion is typically caused by nontypeable strains of the organism. Furthermore, nontypeable species with a special affinity for the genital tract are the most frequent isolates encountered, and an ascending vaginal or cervical infection is often the suspected route of transmission. CASE: A 39-year-old woman at 8 weeks gestation who underwent dilation, evacuation, and curettage for embryonic demise had clinical evidence for sepsis and isolation of a nontypeable, ampicillin resistant H. influenzae from blood cultures. Although an ascending vaginal infection was suspected, the route of transmission was not determined. CONCLUSION: Nontypeable strains of. H. influenzae have demonstrated increased beta-lactamase activity, and ampicillin, formerly the treatment of choice, should be used only if isolate susceptibility is known.

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Selected References

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