Haemophilus influenzae in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common progressive respiratory disease that is associated with infective exacerbations that lead to worsening of symptoms. Many organisms are thought to trigger infective exacerbations, but Haemophilus influenzae is the most commonly isolated bacterium. The role of H. influenzae in infective exacerbations remains uncertain, mainly because the organism chronically colonises patients whose clinical condition is stable. H. influenzae may also comprise part of the normal nasopharyngeal flora in man, making the interpretation of positive cultures difficult in some cases.
Leanord
Alistair
A
Medical Microbiology Department, Monklands Hospital, Monkscourt Avenue, Airdrie, ML6 OJS, UK. alistair.leonord@haht.scot.nhs.uk
Williams
Craig
C
D000208:Acute Disease; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006192:Haemophilus Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D006193:Haemophilus influenzae / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents