Pathogenesis of Haemophillus Infection

 

Pathogenesis

 

The disease caused by haemophilus typically begins as a nasopharyngitis, probably precipitated by a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. It may be followed by sinusitis or otitis media and may lead to pneumonia, the latter is often complicated by empyema. Bacteraemia occurs early in severe cases and frequently result in the involvement of one or more joints or in the development of acute bacterial meningitis. Indeed in children, H. Influenzae is the commonest cause of acute bacterial meningitis.  H. Influenzae type b is associated with epiglottis or obstructive laryngitis which may be fatal.

 

Laboratory diagnosis

 

In all cases of suspected bacterial meningitis, a sample of blood as well as the CSF should be cultured. The CSF could be examined directly by gram-strain. If exposure of the organism in the CSF to specific antiserum result in a quellung reaction, the result is established. The specimen should be streaked onto chocolate agar and incubated in a candle jar.

 

Treatment and Prevention

 

Ampicillin was the drug of choice. However 20% of strains are resistant to ampicillin. Therefore initial therapy now consists of a cephalosporin and ampicillin/chloramphenicol. The mortality rate of treated H. Influenzae is less than 10% and most children acquire effective immunity by age 10. However a significant proportion of children (up to 30%) develop neurological sequelae and 5% end up being institutionalised. A vaccine is now available against haemophillus influenzae type b and is used in children.