Detection of six copies of the capsulation b locus in a Haemophilus influenzae type b strain isolated from a splenectomized patient with fulminant septic shock.

We report on the first detection of six copies of the capsulation b locus in a Haemophilus influenzae type b strain isolated from a splenectomized patient with fulminant septic shock associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation and death. The unusual amplification of the locus might have contributed to the rare and severe clinical presentation.