Urinary tract infection caused by Haemophilus influenzae – a case report

Haemophilus influenzae is primarily recognized as a respiratory pathogen, with its role in urinary tract infections (UTIs) being infrequently reported. However, the actual incidence of H. influenzae-associated UTIs remains uncertain due to the bacterium’s inability to grow on standard urine culture media. We present a case of a 14-month-old infant diagnosed with a UTI caused by H. influenzae, which subsequently led to the identification of anatomical abnormalities within the urinary tract. The child was exhibiting clinical symptoms of UTI, with biochemical urine analysis revealing positivity for nitrites and leukocytes. H. influenzae was incidentally detected from the child’s urine culture by satellite growth around contaminating staphylococcal colonies. Further clinical evaluation confirmed vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) grade 4 and left-sided reflux nephropathy. H. influenzae may be an underdiagnosed pathogen in pediatric UTIs, particularly in cases where standard cultures yield negative results and underlying urinary tract abnormalities are present. Keywords: urinary tract infections, Haemophilus influenzae, children