pneumonia caused by Haemophilus influenzae
Last reviewed 01/2018
Haemophilus influenzae accounts for about 5% of all pneumonias in the UK. It is relatively common in children, accounting for up to one third of bacterial pneumonias between 4 months and 4 years.
The organism is frequently identified in the yellow - green sputum produced during exacerbation of chronic bronchitis and may be the cause of pneumonia in that disease and in emphysema.
Clinically, the condition is indistinguishable from Streptococcus pneumoniae infection although radiologic differences may be noted.
Notes:
- only known natural habitat of Haemophilus influenzae is the human nasopharynx
Reference:
- Harold SR et al. Management of community acquired lower respiratory tract infection. BMJ 1994;308: 701-5.
- Edwards J.S., Palsson B.O. Systems properties of the Haemophilus influenzae Rd metabolic genotype. J. Biol. Chem. 1999;274:17410-17416.
- Grant, G.B et al. Recommendations for treatment of childhood non-severe pneumonia. The Lancet Infectious Diseases2009; 9 (3): 185- 196