Emergence of genital infections due to Haemophilus pittmaniae and Haemophilus sputorum

Abstract

Background: We report for the first time the association of Haemophilus pittmaniae and Haemophilus sputorum with urethritis in men who have sex with men and who engage in unprotected intercourse.

Patients and methods: A search for genital pathogens was conducted using urethral exudate cultures and PCR tests for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Mycoplasma spp., and Ureaplasma spp. Recovered microorganisms were identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and their susceptibility was evaluated by diffusion gradient test.

Results: H. pittmaniae and H. sputorum were isolated. They both proved susceptible to ampicillin, cefixime, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. H. pittmaniae was also susceptible to tetracycline and H. sputorum to moxifloxacin.

Conclusion: The increased frequency of potentially resistant Haemophilus spp. isolates in genital exudates highlights the need for greater surveillance of these microorganisms and for their consideration in the differential diagnosis of genital system infections.