Recurrent Cervical Lymphadenitis Caused by Haemophilus aphrophilus

The Genus Haemophilus

“…Besides H. influenzae, H. parainfluenzae represents the most common pathogen among human Haemophilus species and has been reported in association with pharyngitis, otitis media, conjunctivitis, dental abscess, epiglottitis, pneumonia, empyema, septicemia, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, peritonitis, hepatobiliary infection, meningitis, brain abscess, epidural abscess, and urinary tract and genital infection. Both H. aphrophilus and H. paraphrophilus have been associated with a similar spectrum of diseases, along with rare instances of cervical lymphadenitis, lumbar spondylitis, paraspinal abscess and intracranial abscess (Hart et al, 1998;Hung et al, 1997;Margelli and Streit, 1996;Samuel et al, 1997;White et al, 2000). Serious disease in association with H. aphrophilus is exceedingly rare in individuals who are immunocompetent and otherwise healthy, but several such cases have been reported, including meningitis complicated by hydrocephalus and humeral shaft osteomyelitis following routine dental work (Adeyemi-Doro et al, 1998;Dewire et al, 1999).…”

Intraparotid lymphadenitis caused by Haemophilus aphrophilus

“…11 High-dose parental penicillin treatment has been advocated as a first line of treatment, 9 with some evidence to suggest a longer course of parenteral antibiotics is desirable to prevent recurrence. 10 Our patient responded well to treatment with cephalosporins.…”

“…To our knowledge, only one other H aphrophilus infection of a head and neck lymph node appears in the literature. 10 This case also involved an intraparotid node. Despite treatment, recurrence at the same intraparotid site was demonstrated after 6 months, necessitating further drainage and an extended course of antibiotics.…”

“…7 A high proportion of cases have shown association, with predisposing conditions including recent dental work or immune compromise [5][6][7][8] or local trauma including bites. 9,10 Soft tissue infections caused by H aphrophilus seldom occur. To our knowledge, only one other H aphrophilus infection of a head and neck lymph node appears in the literature.…”