RELAPSE FOLLOWING AMPICILLIN TREATMENT OF ACUTE HEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE MENINGITIS

Abstract

A case of meningitis due to H. influenzae in a 6-month-old child treated with ampicillin is presented. The child had a recurrence of bacteremia with orbital cellulitis 3 days after the conclusion of 14 days of parenteral treatment with 200 mg per kg per day. Although a substantial amount of clinical experience has already been presented as to the value of ampicillin in acute bacterial meningitis due to the common agents, careful observation of each patient for signs of lingering infection is still necessary. This case represents a failure of ampicillin to eradicate H. influenzae infection.