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.
Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
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Halperin
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