Cerebrospinal fluid shunt infections by unencapsulated Haemophilus influenzae.

Three cases of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt infection by unencapsulated Haemophilus influenzae are presented. In all, 22 cases of H. influenzae CSF shunt infections have previously been reported. In contrast to these cases, the current three patients showed acute involvement of the peritoneal end of the shunt with unencapsulated H. influenzae. Medical therapy without shunt removal is successful in eliminating H. influenzae type b shunt infection associated with meningitis. However, significant involvement of the peritoneal portion of the catheter by unencapsulated H. influenzae is an indication for removal of the distal portion of the catheter along with appropriate antibiotic therapy.