Pathogens
Haemophilus influenzae

Haemophilus influenzae

Precautions

Droplet initially for most infections. May be able to transition to Standard Precautions after 24-48 hr of effective therapy.

General Information

Small gram negative bacillus, encapsulated or not (not=non-typeable).

Normal respiratory flora.

Invasive disease sharply declined after Hib conjugate vaccine widely used, especially in children <5 yrs old who were the main victims.

Most invasive disease is now caused by non-typable strains.

Colonizer of the upper respiratory tract

May cause invasive disease including:

  • Meningitis

  • Pneumonia/empyema

  • Bacteremia

  • Epiglottitis

  • MSK infection

  • Others