Related Experiment Videos
Serotypes and antimicrobial resistance in Haemophilus influenzae in a hospital practice
Abstract:
We studied the clinical spectrum, serotypes and antimicrobial resistance of Haemophilus influenzae received by our laboratory. The majority of cases involved the elderly (more than 60 years old) and children under the age of 5 years. Most infections involved the respiratory tract and were caused by non-serotypable strains. Invasive infections (meningitis, septic arthritis and bacteraemia) were infrequent and were caused by both type b and non-serotypable strains. The estimated incidence of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b disease in children under the age of 5 years is at most 5 per 100 000 a year. Resistance to ampicillin (40.5%) and trimethoprim-sulfa (37.7%) was high and would affect the choice of antimicrobials used for treating Haemophilus influenzae infections.
Insights
This study on Haemophilus influenzae found respiratory infections common in the elderly and young children, often from non-typeable strains. High ampicillin and trimethoprim-sulfa resistance impacts treatment choices for this bacterium.
Area of Science:
- Clinical microbiology
- Infectious diseases
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Haemophilus influenzae is a significant human pathogen.
- Understanding its clinical spectrum and resistance patterns is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical presentations, serotypes, and antimicrobial resistance of Haemophilus influenzae.
- To assess the incidence of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b disease.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory-based study of clinical isolates.
- Analysis of clinical spectrum, serotyping, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
- Incidence estimation for invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b disease.
Main Results:
- Most infections occurred in the elderly (>60 years) and children (<5 years).
- Respiratory tract infections were most common, predominantly caused by non-serotypable strains.
- Invasive infections (meningitis, septic arthritis, bacteraemia) were infrequent, caused by both type b and non-serotypable strains.
- High resistance rates observed for ampicillin (40.5%) and trimethoprim-sulfa (37.7%).
- Estimated incidence of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b disease in children under 5 years is <= 5 per 100,000 annually.
Conclusions:
- Non-serotypable Haemophilus influenzae strains are frequent causes of respiratory infections.
- High antimicrobial resistance to ampicillin and trimethoprim-sulfa necessitates careful selection of treatments.
- Invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b disease incidence is low in young children.