Related Experiment Videos
[Haemophilus influenzae and parainfluenzae in children. A retrospective study of 52 cases]
Insights
Pediatric Haemophilus infections, primarily in children under four, commonly presented as respiratory issues, otitis media, and sinusitis. While most infections resolved, some cases of Haemophilus influenzae led to complications like meningitis with hearing loss.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
- Clinical Microbiology
Background:
- Haemophilus influenzae and para-influenzae are significant pediatric pathogens.
- Understanding the spectrum of infections caused by these bacteria is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence and clinical manifestations of Haemophilus influenzae and para-influenzae infections in hospitalized children.
- To compare local findings with existing literature on pediatric Haemophilus infections.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 52 pediatric cases hospitalized between January 1978 and December 1979.
- Identification of Haemophilus influenzae or para-influenzae as causative agents.
- Documentation of infection sites, patient demographics, and clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- A total of 52 children were infected (43 H. influenzae, 9 H. para-influenzae), with 34 under 4 years old.
- Common infections included pneumonia (11), otitis media (10), and upper respiratory tract infections (10).
- Meningitis occurred in 5 cases, with one sequela of hearing loss; 8 patients were identified as carriers.
Conclusions:
- Haemophilus species are common causes of various infections in young children, particularly respiratory and ear infections.
- While many infections have good outcomes, serious complications like meningitis can occur.
- Carrier states may exist, requiring further investigation into their clinical significance.
Abstract:
Fifty-two children hospitalized in the Pediatric service of a general hospital between January 1978 and December 1979 were found to be infected with Haemophilus influenzae or para-influenzae (43 with H. influenzae and 9 with para-influenzae). Most of these children (34/52) were less than 4 years of age. The localizations of infections were as follow: 5 meningitis with satisfactory resolution except for 1 who developed slight deafness, 1 epiglotitis, 11 pneumonias or bronchopneumonias, 1 arthritis, 10 otitis medias, 6 conjunctivitis, 3 sinusitis, 10 upper airway infections and 1 neonatal infection. On 8 of these cases the patients were felt to be carriers of H. influenzae or para-influenzae, the signs and symptoms beeing not related to these bacteria. These results are compared with those found in the literature.