Cellulitis in children caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b.

Of 31 episodes of invasive infection by Haemophilus influenzae capsular type b, occurring in children during a 26-month period, five (16 per cent) had cellulitis as the presenting feature. In four of the five patients bacteraemia was detected. This frequency of presentation is not reflected in reports in the British literature. Prompt recognition of this aetiology of cellulitis is important for effective chemotherapy.