Acute epiglottitis and bacteremia with ampicillin-resistant Haemophilus influenzae.
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.
D000208:Acute Disease; D000667:Ampicillin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004825:Epiglottis; D005260:Female; D006192:Haemophilus Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006193:Haemophilus influenzae / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007827:Laryngitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D018805:Sepsis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology
D000667:Ampicillin