Haemophilus influenzae infection overview
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Haemophilus influenzae infection Main page |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Infection with the bacterium Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) can result in meningitis and other severe infections (e.g., pneumonia, bacteremia, cellulitis, septic arthritis, and epiglottitis) primarily among infants and children <5 years of age.
Pathophysiology
Haemophilus influenzae, formerly called Pfeiffer's bacillus or Bacillus influenzae, is a non-motile Gram-negative coccobacillus first described in 1892 by Richard Pfeiffer during an influenza pandemic. It is generally aerobic, but can grow as a facultative anaerobe. H. influenzae was mistakenly considered to be the cause of the common flu until 1933, when the viral etiology of the flu became apparent. Still, H. influenzae is responsible for a wide range of clinical diseases. Transmission is by direct contact with respiratory droplets from nasopharyngeal carrier or case patient.