Keywords
Haemophilus Influenzae Meningitis, Haemophilus Influenzae, Hib, Meningitis, aged
Date of Presentation
5-1-2025 12:00 AM
Poster Abstract
We report a case of a 65-year-old female who presented with fever, altered mental status, and neck stiffness. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis confirmed Haemophilus influenzae meningitis. The differential diagnosis of bacterial meningitis in older adults is broad and includes Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Listeria monocytogenes, and Haemophilus influenzae. However, in the post-Hib vaccine era, non-typeable H. influenzae has emerged as a significant cause of invasive disease in older adults, particularly in those with underlying comorbidities.
Older patients often present with atypical symptoms, which may delay diagnosis and treatment. In this case, early recognition and prompt administration of empiric antibiotic therapy was crucial for optimal patient outcomes. As the aging population grows and the prevalence of chronic diseases increases, H. influenzae meningitis will likely remain an important cause of bacterial meningitis in older adults, requiring continued awareness for timely diagnosis and management.
Disciplines
Bacterial Infections and Mycoses | Emergency Medicine | Infectious Disease | Medicine and Health Sciences | Neurology | Otolaryngology | Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms
Included in
Bacterial Infections and Mycoses Commons, Emergency Medicine Commons, Infectious Disease Commons, Neurology Commons, Otolaryngology Commons, Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Commons
Case Report: Haemophilus Influenzae Meningitis in a 65 year old Female
We report a case of a 65-year-old female who presented with fever, altered mental status, and neck stiffness. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis confirmed Haemophilus influenzae meningitis. The differential diagnosis of bacterial meningitis in older adults is broad and includes Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Listeria monocytogenes, and Haemophilus influenzae. However, in the post-Hib vaccine era, non-typeable H. influenzae has emerged as a significant cause of invasive disease in older adults, particularly in those with underlying comorbidities.
Older patients often present with atypical symptoms, which may delay diagnosis and treatment. In this case, early recognition and prompt administration of empiric antibiotic therapy was crucial for optimal patient outcomes. As the aging population grows and the prevalence of chronic diseases increases, H. influenzae meningitis will likely remain an important cause of bacterial meningitis in older adults, requiring continued awareness for timely diagnosis and management.
