Haemophilus influenzae Pneumonia
Haemophilus influenzae type b can cause pneumonia. Although the frequency has not been accurately assessed, this etiology is not rare and may represent as much as one third of hospitalized patients with bacterial pneumonia. Approximately half have pleural involvement. The majority of patients have associated manifestations including otitis, meningitis, purulent pericarditis and epiglottitis. Cultures from the blood and localized areas (pleural fluid, etc) are usually positive and establish the diagnosis. Countercurrent immunoelectrophoresis (CIE) may be helpful in the partially treated child.
Comment: H influenzae b can cause a variety of diseases including, obviously more commonly than heretofore believed, pneumonia. Treatment of this illness depends upon the B lactamase production by the isolated Haemophilus.
