Clinical and microbiological features of Haemophilus influenzae vulvovaginitis in young girls
- 1Department of Microbiology, Kettering General Hospital NHS Trust, Rothwell Road, Kettering, Northants NN16 8UZ, UK
- 2PHLS Haemophilus Reference Unit, Department of Microbiology, Level 6/7, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Correspondence to: Dr Cox, The Old Rectory, Ashley, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 8HF, UK; michael.gallant{at}ukgateway.net
- Accepted 2 July 2002
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.
