Non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae purulent pericarditis in a child with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Early airway colonization and infection with Haemophilus influenzae in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) is common. Although the pathogenicity of non-typeable H. influenzae (NTHi) in patients with CF is controversial, this organism can cause both upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Extra-pulmonary disease, however, is rare. Purulent pericarditis is a suppurative complication of bacterial infection of the pericardial space that can arise as a result of direct extension from an adjacent infection. We describe a case of purulent pericarditis due to NTHi in a young child with CF that developed as a complication of inadequately treated bronchopneumonia.

Keywords: cystic fibrosis; non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae; pericarditis.