Haemophilus influenzae type B and its role in diseases of the head and neck.
Haemophilus influenzae is a common pathogen in infections of the head and neck. Although most mucosal infections (otitis media, sinusitis) are caused by non-encapsulated organisms, invasive disease (meningitis, periorbital cellulitis, epiglottis) is caused by type B encapsulated organisms. Bacteremia is common with H. influenzae type B infections and therapy with parenteral antibiotics is indicated. A vaccine against H. influenzae type B given at 18 months of age is now part of the routine childhood immunization schedule. Chemoprophylaxis with rifampin is recommended for at-risk contacts of patients with invasive type B disease. This review examines the bacteriology, pathogenesis, immunity, and disease manifestations of H. influenzae. Appropriate diagnostic methods, antimicrobial therapy, and recommended chemoprophylaxis and immunoprophylaxis are presented.
Halperin
S A
SA
Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial; D006192:Haemophilus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D006193:Haemophilus influenzae; D006801:Humans; D010038:Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents