Haemophilus influenzae biotype III infections in children and report of three unusual cases.

Three hundred thirty seven Haemophilus influenza isolates from infections in children were studied to determine the relationship between H. influenza, biotype III, and specimen source. Eighteen per cent (60) of the isolates were H. influenza biotype III. Of these, 70% were from the eye, 18% from the respiratory tract, 7% from the ear and 2% from blood. Although conjunctivitis was the most common clinical condition associated with H. influenza biotype III, three cases of systemic infection with this organism are presented: a 10-month-old female with pneumonia, a 17-year-old male with sepsis, and a 7-year-old male with endophthalmitis. This organism may be a significant pathogen depending on the clinical setting. Increased awareness of its importance will lead to more reports of its isolation.