Haemophilus aphrophilus osteomyelitis after dental prophylaxis: A case report

A 36-year-old patient who was otherwise healthy had acute osteomyelitis of the humeral shaft develop after routine prophylactic dental cleaning and ultrasonic scaling. Haemophilus aphrophilus grew on cultures of material obtained during biopsy of the humerus, and pathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of acute osteomyelitis. Haemophilus aphrophilus, a fastidious gram negative bacillus, is part of the normal oral flora and is a rare pathogen. Osteomyelitis caused by Haemophilus aphrophilus has not been reported to occur after routine dental prophylaxis. The patient was treated successfully with surgical debridement and appropriate antibiotics.