Bacteremia caused by a beta-lactamase producing Haemophilus parainfluenzae strain of a new biotype. A case report

A case of Haemophilus parainfluenzae bacteremia without known infectious focus is reported. Phenotypically, the isolated strain is a typical H. parainfluenzae except for its ability to produce indole and beta-lactamase. Beta-lactamase producing H. parainfluenzae organisms are encountered occasionally, but to the best of our knowledge this is the first reported blood culture isolate with this ability. We propose a new biotype (IV) of H. parainfluenzae to accomodate strains that are idole, urease and ornithine decarboxylase positive.