Subscapular Abscess Due to Haemophilus influenzae Type B

Abstract

Localized abscess formation is a rare but previously described manifestation of Haemophilus influenzae infection.1-7 A majority of the reported cases were caused by nontypeable strains of H influenzae.1,4,5,7 We report a case of an extensive subscapular abscess due to β-lactamase-negative H influenzae type B. This, to our knowledge, is the first such case described in English literature. CASE REPORT A 15-month-old white girl developed fever, anorexia, and irritability five days prior to admission. The following day a physician diagnosed otitis media and prescribed erythromycin. In spite of the antibiotic therapy, the symptoms persisted. A different physician was consulted, but no focus of infection could be identified.