Primary Hemophilus Influenzae Pneumonia

WHILE other types of infections with Hemophilus influenzae, such as meningitis and upper respiratory disease, are rather frequently seen, primary H. influenzae pneumonia is a relative rarity. A survey of the American literature published during the past 20 years regarding this type of pneumonia revealed only three case reports. In view of the paucity of available information regarding the treatment of this variety of pneumonia, it was thought that our experience with the chemotherapy of four patients with primary H. influenzae pneumonia should be reported. Since 1946, approximately 3,600 patients with pneumonia of all kinds have been treated at the District of Columbia General Hospital. Of this group, H. influenzae has been proved to be the primary etiologic agent in only four. The treatment of these patients varied according to the availability of the chemotherapeutic agents and was dependent upon investigative work being carried on at the time of their