HAEMOPHILUS-INFLUENZAE TYPE-B CELLULITIS OF THE LEG IN AN IMMUNOCOMPETENT ADULT

Introduction. Only a few cases of Haemophilus influenzae typeB celluli tis have been reported in adult patients. They generally involve immun ocompromised patients, and are located in the cervico-facial areas. Ca se-report. We report a 43 year-old immunocompetent patient who present ed a cellulitis of the leg. No cutaneous or upper respiratory pathways entry portal was found. Abcedation of cutaneous lesions allowed the i solation of numerous colonies of Haemophilus influenzae type B from a subcutaneous fluid aspirate. Comments. The unusual site of the infecti on, the age and the immunocompetent status of the patient, the lack of initial infectious localisation and the slow healing of lesions despi te appropriated antibiotic therapy are of particular interest.