Have Parents ever known what haemophilus influenzae is? This is one of the diseases that is more common in babies and children. The H. influenzae bacteria can cause infections ranging from mild (bronchitis) to severe (such as septic arthritis).
Each symptom of the infection will be different. So will the treatment and prevention. Your little one may be given antibiotics , but may also require hospitalization depending on the severity of the condition.
To find out about haemophilus influenzae, see the following review
What is Haemophilus Influenzae?
Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) is a type of bacteria that can cause several types of infections. These bacterial infections can range from mild, such as ear infections, to severe, such as bloodstream infections.
The infections usually affect children under 5 years of age. They also affect people whoimmunocompromised, such as those with certain medical conditions.
Some H. influenzae infections are “invasive,” meaning the bacteria invade parts of the body that are usually free of germs. For example, H. influenzae can invade the fluid around the spinal cord and brain, which can cause meningitis .
Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Invasive disease usually requires hospitalization and can sometimes be fatal.
Get to know Haemophilus Influenzae Type B
Haemophilus influenzae bacteria are categorized intoencapsulated(typeable) Andnon-encapsulated(non-typeable). Encapsulated means that these bacteria have an outer protective layer.
This covering, or capsule, makes them more resistant to antibiotics. Encapsulated bacteria are further separated into subtypes named “a” through “f.”
The most common type of H. influenzae is Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Most often, Hib infects children under age 5 and adults over age 65. It can also affect people who have weakened immune systems (immunocompromised), such as those who:
- Sickle cell disease.
- No spleen (asplenia).
- Antibody or complement deficiency syndrome.
- HIV .
- People undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or who have had a bone marrow transplant.
- Hib vaccine can help protect against Haemophilus influenzae type b infection.
Causes of Haemophilus Influenzae
These bacteria live in the human nose and throat and are usually harmless. However, the bacteria can sometimes spread to other parts of the body and cause infections.
Experts don’t know how long it takes after H. influenzae enters a person’s body for them to become sick. However, it can take several days for symptoms to appear.
How is Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Transmitted?
Haemophilus influenzae type b is spread from person to person throughdropletrespiratory droplets when coughing and sneezing. Respiratory droplets contain bacteria, and other people can get sick when they breathe in those droplets.
The bacteria also spread when people have prolonged or close contact with someone who has the bacteria in their nose or throat, even if that person has no symptoms.
Scientists believe that Hib cannot survive on non-living surfaces or in the environment. However, the bacteria can still be transmitted if a person is not protected by vaccination.
How Long Is It Contagious?
Experts don’t know the exact incubation period for Haemophilus influenzae. The incubation period is the time it takes for symptoms to develop after the infectious bacteria enter the body.
However, researchers believe it may only take a few days for symptoms to develop after infection.
Diagnosis
Quoting from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), doctors usually diagnose Haemophilus influenzae infection with one or more laboratory tests.
The most common testing methods use blood samples or spinal fluid, joint fluid, pleural fluid, or middle ear aspirate. The first test they will use is called a Gram stain.
Gram staining looks for bacteria in a sample and determines which type of bacteria is causing a condition. The doctor will then follow up with a blood or body fluid culture to confirm the presence of bacteria.
Diseases that can be caused by Haemophilus Influenzae
The most common diseases and infections caused by H. influenzae include:
1. Ear Infection (Otitis Media)
Infection of the space behind your little one’s eardrum (middle ear). Symptoms include:
- Pain
- Loss of appetite
- Easy to get angry
- Poor sleep, poor sleep patterns
- Fever
- Drainage
- Difficulty hearing
2. Bronchitis
An infection that occurs when the airways in your lungs (bronchioles) become inflamed and produce too much mucus. Symptoms include:
- Cough that often produces mucus
- Lack of energy
- Wheezing
- Fever
- Hard to breathe
3. Cellulitis
An infection that occurs when bacteria enter the skin and tissues through an open wound. Symptoms include:
- Pain
- Feels soft
- There is swelling
- Feels warm
- Discoloration
- Blisters
- Fever and chills
- Fatigue
4. Epiglottitis
The epiglottis is a thin flap of cartilage at the back of the throat that covers the windpipe (trachea) when swallowing. Symptoms include:
- Severe sore throat
- Fever
- Hoarse breathing is called stridor
- Difficulty swallowing
- Drooling
- Difficulty breathing
- Pneumonia
5. Pneumonia
An infection in one or both lungs that causes inflammation and mucus buildup. Symptoms include:
- Fever and chills
- Cough
- Hard to breathe
- Difficulty breathing
- Sweating
- Chest pain
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue
6. Meningitis
Infection of the meninges, which are the layers that surround the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Fatigue
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Easy to get angry
- Confusion
- Seizures
7. Bloodstream Infection (Septicemia)
An infection that occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. Symptoms include:
- Fever and chills
- Stomach ache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Anxiety or confusion
- Fatigue
- Hard to breathe
- Difficulty breathing
8. Septic Arthritis
Inflammation of the lining of a joint. It usually occurs when an infection from another part of the body spreads through the blood to the joint.
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Feels soft
- Swelling
- Warm
- Reduced range of motion
Impact on Babies
Even with proper treatment, some H. influenzae infections can cause long-term problems or even death. For example, bloodstream infections can cause limb loss. Meningitis can cause brain damage or hearing loss.
Complications are rare and usually not severe for bronchitis and ear infections caused by H. influenzae.
Treatment and Care
Treatment for Haemophilus influenzae depends on the type of infection or disease. Treatment usually includes the use of antibiotics to fight the infection. However, H. influenzae can be resistant to antibiotics.
Depending on the severity of your child’s condition, they may require additional care in hospital, possibly including:
- Respiratory support via face mask oxygen or intubation.
- Intravenous steroids.
- Medication to treat low blood pressure.
- Wound care for damaged skin.
- Surgical drainage for septic arthritis.
Prevention
As a preventive measure, mothers can protect their little ones from Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infection with the Hib vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all children under 2 years of age receive this vaccine.
Doctors usually give the Hib vaccine in three or four doses. Babies will get the first dose at 2 months of age. Then they will get the second dose at 4 months of age.
They will get a dose at 6 months if they have already received four doses. Then, they will complete the series with a doseboosterbetween 12 months and 15 months of age. Approximately 95% to 100% of children develop protective levels of Hib antibodies after this vaccine.
Healthcare providers can give Hib vaccine as a single vaccine such as [PRP-T (ActHIB), PRP-T (Hiberix) or PRP-OMP (Pedvax HIB)] or as part of a combination vaccine [DTap-IPV-Hib (Pentacel) or DTap-IPV-Hib-Hep B (Vaxelis)]. A combination vaccine combines more than one vaccine into one shot.
The Hib vaccine prevents infection from Haemophilus influenzae type b. However, it does not prevent infections caused by other types of H. influenzae.
To prevent other haemophilus influenzae infections, mothers must maintain the cleanliness of their little ones and keep them away from people who are sick. Don’t forget to teach your little ones how to wash their hands from an early age. Hopefully this information is useful for parents !
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Indonesia
