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Published on: February 23, 2014

Frequency of ampicillin-resistant Haemophilus parainfluenzae in children

D W Scheifele, S J Fussell

    The Journal of Infectious Diseases
    |March 1, 1981
    PubMed

    Insights

    Ampicillin resistance is common in Haemophilus parainfluenzae, especially in young children and daycare attendees. This bacterium may spread antibiotic resistance genes to Haemophilus influenzae.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Antimicrobial Resistance
    • Molecular Biology

    Background:

    • Ampicillin resistance is documented in Haemophilus species beyond H. influenzae.
    • The prevalence and impact of this resistance in other Haemophilus species remain unclear.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the frequency and characteristics of ampicillin resistance in Haemophilus parainfluenzae within a pediatric population.
    • To assess the potential role of H. parainfluenzae as a reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes.

    Main Methods:

    • A throat-culture survey was conducted on 266 ambulatory children.
    • Beta-lactamase production, indicative of ampicillin resistance, was detected in isolates.
    • Colonization rates were analyzed in relation to age, daycare attendance, and co-colonization with H. influenzae.

    Main Results:

    • Beta-lactamase-producing H. parainfluenzae was identified in 72% of children.
    • Ampicillin resistance was highest in 3-4 year olds (88%) and daycare attendees (97%).
    • Colonization with resistant H. parainfluenzae was 26 times more common than with resistant H. influenzae and occurred in 88% of subjects with H. influenzae.

    Conclusions:

    • Haemophilus parainfluenzae is frequently colonized with ampicillin resistance in young children.
    • H. parainfluenzae may act as a significant vector for the dissemination of ampicillin resistance genes, potentially impacting H. influenzae.
    • Further research into resistance mechanisms and genetics is warranted.

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