SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Not the Average Flu: H Influenzae Multifocal Pneumonia and Bacteremia

Pdf Summary

This case report describes invasive nontypeable <em>Haemophilus influenzae</em> (NTHi) multifocal pneumonia with bacteremia in an 89-year-old woman with heart failure, atrial fibrillation, obesity, and a remote smoking history. She presented with altered mental status, weakness, hypotension, hypoxia, and wheezing. Imaging supported a pulmonary infection, and blood cultures confirmed bacteremia.

The report emphasizes that NTHi is an increasingly important cause of invasive infection in adults, especially in elderly patients with cardiopulmonary disease or immunosuppression. These patients are at higher risk for respiratory failure, prolonged hospitalization, and death.

Diagnosis can be challenging because NTHi does not grow well on standard media and may be underrecognized unless clinicians maintain a high index of suspicion and obtain blood cultures. In this case, pulmonary-source bacteremia was identified through appropriate microbiologic testing.

Treatment considerations are also highlighted. Resistance to common agents, including beta-lactams, macrolides, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, is rising. Ceftriaxone remains the preferred initial therapy for invasive disease, with early narrowing to targeted antibiotics once susceptibilities are available.

Overall, the presentation underscores that NTHi is not the “average flu,” but a potentially severe invasive pathogen in high-risk adults. The authors stress the need for early recognition, judicious antibiotic use, and future vaccine strategies aimed at reducing the burden of NTHi infections.

Asset Subtitle

Kengo Z. Soghoyan

Meta Tag

Author List Ellen Nagami, Kengo Z. Soghoyan

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae

Concept Older Adults

Concept Invasive Infection

Concept Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Concept Bacteremia

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Brigham and Women's Hospital

Presenting Author Kengo Z. Soghoyan

Track Adult

Keywords

nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae

NTHi

multifocal pneumonia

bacteremia

invasive infection

elderly patient

cardiopulmonary disease

blood cultures

ceftriaxone

antibiotic resistance

Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae

Older Adults

Invasive Infection

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Bacteremia