Clinical and microbiological features of Haemophilus influenzae vulvovaginitis in young girls. Issue 12 (1st December 2002)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cox, R A; Slack, M P E
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical pathology. Volume 55:Issue 12(2002)
• Page Start: 961
• Page End: 964
• Publication Date: 2002-12-01
• Subjects: vulvovaginitis -- Haemophilus influenzae -- prepubertal; Pathology -- Periodicals; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; 616.0705
• DOI: 10.1136/jcp.55.12.961
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9746

Abstract

Abstract : Aims: To define the clinical and microbiological features of vulvovaginitis in prepubertal girls whose genital swabs yielded Haemophilus influenzae . Methods: Laboratory based study and retrospective collection of clinical data from the requesting doctors. Results: Thirty eight isolates of non-capsulate Haemophilus influenzae and one of H parainfluenzae were isolated from 32 girls aged 18 months to 11 years. No other pathogens, such as β haemolytic streptococci or yeasts, were present with H influenzae. The most common biotype was biotype II, comprising 57% of the 26 isolates biotyped. Six children had more than one episode of vulvovaginitis caused by H influenzae and a total of 14 children had recurrent vaginal symptoms. Conclusion: Children who have H influenzae vulvovaginitis are at risk of recurrent symptoms. Biotype II is the one most commonly associated with this condition.