Haemophilus

  • Gram negative Bacillus
    • Nonencapsulated form is part of normal respiratory flora
    • Encapsulated form produces suppurative respiratory infection
  • May enter bloodstream in small children & produce
    • Meningitis
    • Septic Arthritis
  • Infants < 3/12 have Maternal Ig
  • By 3 years, most children have antibodies
  • Therefore 3/12 – 3 years is risk period
    • Especially 3-18/12
  • Many susceptible to Amoxycillin treatment
  • However some produce ß lactamase
    • Treat with
      • Augmentin (Amoxycillin + Clavulanic acid)
      • Cefotaxime
  • Immunization now available
    • HIB has ↓ incidence +++