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Porcine Model of Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
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Porcine Model of Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Published on: November 21, 2019

Mycotic aneurysm of the abdominal aorta caused by Haemophilus influenzae type f

Carlos J Suarez1, William A Glover1, James Cowan2

  • 1Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.

Journal of Medical Microbiology
|January 29, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Haemophilus influenzae type f infections are increasing in adults, especially the elderly. This study details a rare case of infective aortic aneurysm caused by this bacterium, highlighting its growing clinical significance.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine introduction shifted the epidemiology of H. influenzae infections.
  • Invasive H. influenzae infections have decreased in children but increased in adults, particularly the elderly.

Observation:

  • A rare case of infective aortic aneurysm was identified.
  • The causative agent was identified as H. influenzae type f.

Findings:

  • H. influenzae type f, previously rarely described in invasive infections, is emerging as a pathogen.
  • This case demonstrates the organism's pathogenic capability in causing severe vascular infections.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider H. influenzae type f in the differential diagnosis of invasive infections in adults, especially the elderly.
  • The changing epidemiology of H. influenzae necessitates updated surveillance and clinical awareness.
  • Further research into the pathogenic mechanisms of non-typeable and other encapsulated H. influenzae strains is warranted.

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