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[Haemophilus influenzae pulmonary infection in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus]
1Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas (Servicio de Medicina Interna), Hospital Universitario Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Barcelona.
Background:
Haemophilus influenzae has frequently been identified as the etiologic agent in pneumonias of patients with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The experience of the authors is reviewed and the significance of isolating this microorganism in respiratory samples commented upon.
Methods:
The clinical, radiological and microbiological data of patients with HIV infection in whom H. influenzae was identified in blood, lung tissue, or samples of the lower respiratory tract obtained by fibrobronchoscopy were retrospectively evaluated.
Results:
Twenty cases were diagnosed with 75% presenting bilateral lung infiltration. In 70% the isolation sample was that of bronchoalveolar lavage. In 40% of the total another microorganism was identified in coinfection with H. influenzae, of which Mycobacterium tuberculosis was the most frequent. Thirty-five percent of the cases presented antecedents of one or several previous pulmonary infections. H. influenzae infection was not observed with either concomitant or previous infections in 20% of the patients.
Conclusions:
A high frequency of pneumonias by Haemophilus influenzae with bilateral radiologic presentation have been found. H. influenzae is frequently demonstrated as in coinfection with other agents. The role that this microorganism has in pulmonary infection of patients with HIV infection is not clearly defined.
Insights
Pneumonia caused by Haemophilus influenzae is common in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, often presenting with bilateral lung infiltrates and coinfections with other pathogens like tuberculosis.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
Background:
- Haemophilus influenzae is a frequent cause of pneumonia in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
- This study reviews the authors' experience and the significance of isolating H. influenzae from respiratory samples in this patient population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical, radiological, and microbiological characteristics of Haemophilus influenzae pneumonia in patients with HIV infection.
- To understand the role and significance of H. influenzae in pulmonary infections among HIV-infected individuals.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective evaluation of clinical, radiological, and microbiological data.
- Inclusion of patients with HIV infection where H. influenzae was identified in blood, lung tissue, or lower respiratory tract samples.
- Samples obtained via fibrobronchoscopy.
Main Results:
- Twenty cases of H. influenzae pneumonia were diagnosed in HIV-infected patients.
- 75% presented with bilateral lung infiltration; bronchoalveolar lavage was the most common isolation sample (70%).
- Coinfection with other microorganisms, notably Mycobacterium tuberculosis (40%), was frequent. 35% had prior pulmonary infections.
Conclusions:
- Haemophilus influenzae pneumonia is frequently observed in HIV-infected patients, often showing bilateral radiological presentation.
- H. influenzae is commonly found in coinfection with other infectious agents.
- The precise role of H. influenzae in the pathogenesis of pulmonary infections in HIV patients remains to be clearly defined.