[Haemophilus influenza infections in infants and mothers. Three cases (author's transl)].

The three cases reported were diagnosed at the time of contamination by direct examination and culture, at birth, of placental tissue, gastric fluid and peripheral specimens. The culture media included a chocolate agar medium favourable to the growth of H. influenzae. One of the isolates was beta-lactamase producer and therefore resistant to the group A penicillins usually prescribed. Determination of the M.I.C.s of eight antibiotics showed that cefotaxime constitutes, for the time being, a suitable alternative to penicillins against such strains. Early detection of H. influenzae perinatal infections make it possible to treat neonates before complications develop. Among the 19 cases published, there were 4 cases of meningitis, 8 cases of septicaemia and 1 case of arthritis.