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[Isolation of Haemophilus spp. from samples of pleural fluid: 11 years' review]
1Servicios de Microbiología, Ciutat Sanitària Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona.
Background:
The incidence and significance of Haemophilus spp. in plural fluid were retrospectively studied over a period of 11 years.
Methods:
Gram staining and culture in aerobic and anaerobic media was performed in 7517 pleural fluids. Haemophilus spp. was identified with the AMS-Vitek and/or conventional systems. The presence of beta-lactamase was assessed by this method or by the acidometric method.
Results:
Haemophilus spp. was identified in 72 samples (0.9%) corresponding to 37 patients. The medical records of 22 were reviewed. The most common species isolated was H. influenzae. Gram stain exam was positive on 28 occasions (38.8%), with gram-negative bacilli being observed in 78.5%. A pure culture was obtained in 43 samples with anaerobic bacteria associated in 18% of the cases. Only 10 strains (16.4%) produced beta-lactamase. No predominance of any determined biotype was observed. Most of the patients were male with a mean age of 59.2 years (range: 2-82). Seventeen patients presented with community-acquired pneumonia, as well as tuberculous sequelae, pneumonectomy and pulmonary and/or upper GI truct neoplasms. All were treated with antibiotics, beta-lactam drugs alone or with aminoglycosides. Half of them also required surgical drainage. Four patients died in relation with the underlying disease.
Conclusions:
Haemophilus spp. was isolated in 7.7% of 7517 samples of pleural fluid. This finding may indicate the coexistence of an underlying thoracic disease of neoplastic origin.
Insights
Haemophilus species were found in pleural fluid in 0.9% of cases. This suggests a potential link between Haemophilus spp. and thoracic neoplastic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Clinical Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Retrospective study of Haemophilus spp. incidence in pleural fluid over 11 years.
- Investigating the clinical significance of these bacteria in pleural effusions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of Haemophilus spp. in pleural fluid.
- To explore potential associations with underlying thoracic conditions, particularly neoplastic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 7517 pleural fluid samples using Gram staining and aerobic/anaerobic cultures.
- Identification of Haemophilus spp. via AMS-Vitek and conventional methods.
- Assessment of beta-lactamase production.
Main Results:
- Haemophilus spp. identified in 72 samples (0.9%) from 37 patients; H. influenzae was most common.
- Gram stain positive in 38.8%; pure cultures in 43% with 18% anaerobic association.
- Only 16.4% of strains produced beta-lactamase; no biotype predominance observed.
Conclusions:
- Haemophilus spp. isolated in 7.7% of pleural fluid samples, indicating a potential marker.
- Findings suggest a possible link between Haemophilus spp. in pleural fluid and underlying thoracic neoplastic disease.