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Assessing Respiratory Immune Responses to Haemophilus Influenzae
06:32

Assessing Respiratory Immune Responses to Haemophilus Influenzae

Published on: June 29, 2021

[Haemophilus influenzae type b in meningitis: antibiotic resistance in pediatric patients]

F Ticca1, S Catania, O Ranno

  • 1Divisione Malattie Infettive, Ospedale Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Roma.

Le Infezioni in Medicina
|January 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

This study analyzed acute meningitis in 357 children over 10 years. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) was common, with some antibiotic resistance, but III generation cephalosporins remained effective.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology

Context:

  • Acute meningitis poses a significant threat to children's health.
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) has historically been a major cause of bacterial meningitis in children.
  • Understanding antibiotic resistance patterns is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose:

  • To retrospectively analyze cases of acute meningitis in children over a 10-year period.
  • To identify the causative agents, particularly Haemophilus influenzae type b.
  • To evaluate the in vitro antibiotic susceptibility of isolated strains.

Summary:

  • A 10-year retrospective study of 357 children with acute meningitis in Rome identified Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) in 110 cases, predominantly in children under two years old.
  • Diagnostic methods included Gram stain, Latex test, and cultures.
  • In vitro sensitivity testing revealed resistance to Ampicillin (15.3%) and Erythromycin/Cotrimoxazole, but high susceptibility to III generation cephalosporins.

Impact:

  • Highlights the continued importance of Hib as a pathogen in pediatric meningitis.
  • Provides data on antibiotic resistance trends, informing treatment guidelines.
  • Reinforces the efficacy of III generation cephalosporins as a first-line treatment for Hib meningitis.

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