Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 5, 2026
Assessing Respiratory Immune Responses to Haemophilus Influenzae
Published on: June 29, 2021
Haemophilus influenzae type a as a cause of paediatric septic arthritis
Joelle Thorgrimson1, Marina Ulanova1
1Northern Ontario School of Medicine , 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1 , Canada.
Insights
Invasive Haemophilus influenzae type a infections, including septic arthritis, disproportionately affect Indigenous children. Early antibiotic treatment and immunization are crucial for vulnerable populations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- The introduction of the Hib vaccine has reduced invasive Haemophilus influenzae serotype b disease, but rates remain high in Indigenous children.
- A resurgence of invasive infections caused by other H. influenzae serotypes, notably serotype a, has been observed.
Observation:
- A case of pediatric septic arthritis caused by H. influenzae type a in a toddler is presented.
- This case highlights the ongoing threat of H. influenzae type a in pediatric populations, particularly within Indigenous communities.
Findings:
- Septic arthritis caused by H. influenzae type a can be effectively treated with antibiotics.
- Review of documented cases indicates a pattern of H. influenzae type a septic arthritis in Indigenous populations.
Implications:
- Socioeconomic factors like poverty and overcrowding contribute to invasive H. influenzae type a disease.
- Targeted immunization strategies for H. influenzae type a are essential for protecting vulnerable Indigenous children.
Introduction:
Incidence rates of invasive Haemophilus influenzae serotype b disease have decreased significantly since the introduction of the Hib vaccine; however, the rates in indigenous populations remain disproportionately high, specifically in the paediatric population. Additionally, with the decline of type b invasive infections, there has been a rebound in the incidence of invasive infections caused by other strains of H. influenzae, particularly serotype a.
Case Presentation:
We present a paediatric case of septic arthritis caused by H. influenzae type a in a toddler that was fully resolved following antibiotic therapy. This report adds to other reports of septic arthritis in indigenous populations as shown through a review of recently documented H. influenzae type a septic arthritis cases.
Conclusion:
Socio-economic risk factors for invasive H. influenzae type a disease, such as poverty, poor housing conditions, overcrowding, smoking and substance abuse during pregnancy, as well as the need for H. influenzae type a immunization of vulnerable populations, are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
01:26Sexually Transmitted Infections
01:30Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
01:30Bacterial Phylum Spirochaetes
01:25Endocarditis I: Introduction
01:26Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies.