Pathogens
Haemophilus influenzae

Haemophilus influenzae

Precautions

See 'Additional Information'

Susceptibilities

General Information

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

Normal respiratory flora.

Invasive disease sharply declined after Hib conjugate vaccine widely used, especially in children <5yrs 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

Precautions:

  1. Routine practices if not epiglottitis.
  2. Droplet precautions if presentation is epiglottitis.
  3. Consider IPAC consult.
  4. Haemophilus influenzae b diseases (invasive) are to report to the Medical Officer of Health/ Public Health immediately.

Precautions for pneumonia:

  1. Private room/space with appropriate signage on door (BLUE sign).
  2. Gown, surgical mask with eye protection, and gloves for all room/space entry and patient contact.
  3. Dedicated patient care equipment. If unable to dedicate, ensure shared equipment is cleaned with appropriate disinfectant following use.
  4. Notify receiving department of isolation status should patient require test/procedure off unit and if for transfer to other health care facility.
  5. Patient DOES NOT require gown/gloves when out of room. Patient must clean hands prior to leaving and upon return to room. Patient must wear a surgical mask during pandemic. Family/visitors DO NOT require gown/gloves when in room unless assisting with personal care to patient.
  6. Routine housekeeping as per protocol. Isolation clean at discharge.

Precautions for meningitis:

  1. Private room/space with appropriate signage on door (BLUE Droplet/Contact sign).
  2. Gown, gloves and surgical mask with eye protection for all room/space entry and patient contact.
  3. Dedicated patient care equipment. If unable to dedicate, ensure shared equipment is cleaned with appropriate disinfectant following use.
  4. Notify receiving department of isolation status should patient require test/procedure off unit and if for transfer to other health care facility.
  5. Routine housekeeping as per protocol. Isolation clean at discharge.
  6. Precautions may be discontinued 24 hours after the start of appropriate antibiotic therapy. IPAC will follow
  7. Needs to report to the Medical Officer of Health/ public health immediately.