Early-onset Hemophilus influenzae sepsis in the neonate.

Hemophilus influenzae sepsis has been increasingly reported in recent years. Thirteen neonates have been treated in our institution in the past 8 years, 12 of whom were admitted within the last 4 years. H influenzae is responsible for 8% of neonatal sepsis occurring during the first 3 days of life. It is usually transmitted before or at the time of birth and is more frequently encountered in premature and low birthweight infants. It is strongly associated with maternal obstetric complications particularly genitourinary tract infections and prolonged rupture of membranes before delivery. Most cases are caused by non-type-b strains and are susceptible to ampicillin. Neonatal H influenzae sepsis presents clinically like early-onset group B streptococcal disease and is especially fulminant in neonates born prematurely.