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Invasive infections caused by Haemophilus species other than Haemophilus influenzae
Abstract:
In a retrospective study covering a 13-year period and a population of 817,900 inhabitants, 13 cases of invasive infection caused by Haemophilus species other than Haemophilus influenzae were found. Ten of the infectious episodes were caused by Haemophilus parainfluenzae and three by Haemophilus aphrophilus. The clinical manifestations comprised endocarditis, meningitis, pleuropneumonia, epiglottitis and septicaemia from an unknown focus. These 13 infectious episodes caused by uncommon Haemophilus species constituted less than 3% of the total number (473) of invasive Haemophilus infections registered during the same period of time. Invasive H. influenzae infections were more common in all age groups than infections caused by other Haemophilus species. In contrast to H. influenzae infections, which predominate in childhood, invasive infections due to uncommon Haemophilus species had no predilection for any age group.
Insights
Invasive infections from uncommon Haemophilus species, like Haemophilus parainfluenzae and Haemophilus aphrophilus, are rare but can cause serious conditions. These infections do not favor any specific age group, unlike Haemophilus influenzae.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Haemophilus influenzae is a well-known cause of invasive infections, particularly in children.
- Invasive infections by other Haemophilus species are less common but can lead to severe clinical manifestations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and clinical characteristics of invasive infections caused by Haemophilus species other than H. influenzae.
- To compare the epidemiology of these uncommon Haemophilus infections with those caused by H. influenzae.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study over a 13-year period.
- Analysis of invasive Haemophilus infection cases from a large population.
- Identification of causative species and clinical manifestations.
Main Results:
- 13 cases of invasive infections by uncommon Haemophilus species (10 H. parainfluenzae, 3 H. aphrophilus) were identified.
- These infections represented less than 3% of all invasive Haemophilus infections.
- Clinical presentations included endocarditis, meningitis, pleuropneumonia, epiglottitis, and sepsis.
- Unlike H. influenzae, these infections showed no age predilection.
Conclusions:
- Invasive infections by Haemophilus parainfluenzae and Haemophilus aphrophilus are infrequent but clinically significant.
- These infections occur across all age groups, contrasting with the childhood predominance of H. influenzae infections.