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Clinical and microbiological features of Haemophilus influenzae vulvovaginitis in young girls
  1. R A Cox1,
  2. M P E Slack2
  1. 1Department of Microbiology, Kettering General Hospital NHS Trust, Rothwell Road, Kettering, Northants NN16 8UZ, UK
  2. 2PHLS Haemophilus Reference Unit, Department of Microbiology, Level 6/7, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
  1. Correspondence to:
 Dr Cox, The Old Rectory, Ashley, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 8HF, UK;
 michael.gallant{at}ukgateway.net

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.

  • vulvovaginitis
  • Haemophilus influenzae
  • prepubertal

https://doi.org/10.1136/jcp.55.12.961

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