infectious diseases
Haemophilus Infections
Introduction
The gram-negative bacteriaHaemophilusspecies cause numerous mild and serious infections, including bacteremia, meningitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, otitis media, cellulitis, and epiglottitis. Diagnosis is by culture and serotyping. Treatment is with antibiotics. ManyHaemophilusspecies are normal flora in the upper respiratory tract and rarely cause illness. Pathogenic strains enter the upper respiratory tract through droplet inhalation or direct contact. Spread is rapid in nonimmune populations. Children, particularly males, Blacks, and Native Americans, are at highest risk of serious infection. Overcrowded living conditions and day care center attendance predispose to infection, as do immunodeficiency states, asplenia, and sickle cell disease. Haemophilus influenzae Type b (Hib) Vaccine , most cases of serious, invasive disease were caused by type b. 