Oh, the fear and anxiety we feel when our little ones get sick is indescribable, isn't it? We all struggle with things like frequent fevers, coughs, and colds. But sometimes our children can also develop infections that are a little more serious than these common illnesses. Today, we are going to talk about a bacteria that can affect children under the age of five, as well as adults with weakened immune systems. The name of this bacteria is `Haemophilus influenzae`.
What is `Haemophilus influenzae`?
Simply put, Haemophilus influenzae is a type of bacteria. This bacteria can cause a variety of infections. Some of them can be minor, like ear infections. But sometimes, this bacteria can cause very serious, even life-threatening infections, like blood poisoning.
These infections most commonly affect children under the age of five . Also, people with weakened immune systems (for example, people with certain chronic diseases, such as cancer patients) are at higher risk of developing illness from these bacteria.
Some H. influenzae infections are what we call “invasive” infections. That is, the bacteria enter areas of our bodies that are normally free of germs. For example, if the bacteria enter the fluid surrounding our brain and spinal cord, it can cause meningitis, an inflammation of the brain. This is a very dangerous condition . These types of invasive infections usually require hospitalization and treatment, and can sometimes even lead to death.
What is `Haemophilus influenzae` type b (Hib)?
Haemophilus influenzae bacteria are mainly classified into two groups. One is the “encapsulated” type, and the other is the “non-encapsulated” type. “Encapsulated” means that the bacteria have a protective outer covering, like a shell. This shell allows these bacteria to be resistant to some antibiotics. These encapsulated bacteria are again divided into subgroups from “a” to “f”.
The most common and dangerous of these is Haemophilus influenzae type b, which we call Hib for short . Hib infections mostly affect children under five years of age and people over 65 years of age. They are also more likely to cause illness in people with weakened immune systems. For example:
- People with `Sickle cell disease`.
- People without a spleen (asplenia).
- People with deficiencies in the antibody or complement system.
- HIV infected people.
- People who are receiving chemotherapy, radiation, or a bone marrow transplant for cancer.
Fortunately, we can protect ourselves from these Haemophilus influenzae type b infections with the Hib vaccine. We will talk about this later.
Does Haemophilus influenzae cause influenza?
This is something that confuses many people. Even though the name `Haemophilus influenzae` has `influenzae` in it, this bacterium does not cause influenza (flu) . That is a disease caused by a separate virus. However, as mentioned earlier, this bacterium can cause many other serious diseases.
What diseases can be caused by `Haemophilus influenzae`?
Here are some of the main diseases and infections that can be caused by this bacteria:
- Ear Infection (Otitis Media): An infection of the middle ear, behind the eardrum. This is common in young children.
- Bronchitis: A condition in which the small air tubes (bronchi) in the lungs become infected, swollen, and produce excess mucus.
- Skin and tissue infections (`Cellulitis`): Bacteria enter the skin and underlying tissues through a wound or cut.
- Epiglottitis: An infection of the epiglottis, a small flap at the back of our throat that covers the windpipe when we swallow. This is a very serious and dangerous condition, as it can cause difficulty breathing.
- Pneumonia: An infection of one or both lungs. In this, the lungs become swollen and filled with mucus.
- Meningitis: Infection of the membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- Septicemia: Bacteria enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. This is also very dangerous.
- Septic arthritis: An infection of the lining of a joint. It usually occurs when an infection elsewhere in the body spreads to the joint through the bloodstream.
Remember, some of these diseases, especially Epiglottitis and Meningitis, can become serious very quickly. Therefore, it is very important to seek medical advice as soon as you notice symptoms.
Who is most affected by Haemophilus influenzae?
The Hib vaccine is part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule in our country. Therefore, H. influenzae disease mainly affects children who have not been vaccinated against Hib. Newborns who have not completed the vaccination series are also at risk.
H. influenzae is also reported to be more common among Alaska Native children, even if they have been vaccinated. It also affects people over the age of 65 and those with weakened immune systems .
How common is `Haemophilus influenzae`?
In the United States, the Hib vaccine was introduced in 1987 for children and in 1990 for infants, and the incidence of the disease has decreased dramatically . Before the vaccine was introduced, about 20,000 children under 5 years of age suffered from severe Hib disease each year, and about 1,000 died. But with the vaccine, severe Hib disease has decreased by more than 99% since 1991. In 2019, about 0.15 out of 100,000 children under 5 years of age developed Hib disease.
Now, the majority of Haemophilus influenzae infections in all age groups are caused by non-typeable H. influenzae. In 2019, 1.62 out of 100,000 children under 5 years of age developed this type of infection. Now, the most common cause of these infections in children is among those who are unvaccinated or have not completed the full vaccination series . Among adults aged 65 years and older, the rate of non-typeable H. influenzae infections is 4.88 per 100,000.
What are the symptoms of `Haemophilus influenzae`?
The symptoms of Haemophilus influenzae in babies and young children depend on the specific illness they are suffering from. Let's look at the symptoms of a few of the main illnesses.
Ear Infection (`Otitis Media`) Symptoms:
- Ear pain (the baby may hold his ear and cry)
- Appetite
- Constant restlessness, crying
- Insomnia
- Fever
- Fluid-like discharge from the ear
- Difficulty hearing (a slightly older child will say so)
Bronchitis symptoms:
- Frequent, phlegmy cough
- Lifeless body
- Wheezing
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing
Skin Infection (Cellulitis) Symptoms:
- Pain at the infected area, soreness when touched
- Swelling
- Feeling warm to the touch
- Skin discoloration (redness, purpleness)
- Blistering
- Fever and chills
- Hard work
Epiglottitis symptoms (this is an emergency!):
- Severe sore throat
- Fever
- An abnormal, harsh sound when breathing (stridor)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Drooling
- Severe difficulty breathing (the child may try to breathe by stretching their neck and leaning forward)
Pneumonia symptoms:
- Fever and chills
- Cough (may be phlegmy or dry)
- Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Chest pain
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Hard work
Symptoms of meningitis (this is also an emergency!):
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck (unable to bend forward)
- Hard work
- Appetite
- Vomiting and nausea
- Restlessness, irritability
- Confusion
- Seizures
Symptoms of Septicemia (this is also an emergency!):
- Fever and chills
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting and nausea
- Diarrhea
- Anxiety or confusion
- Hard work
- Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
Symptoms of joint infection (`Septic Arthritis`):
- Fever
- Joint pain, tenderness
- Joint swelling
- Warmth to the touch
- Inability to move the joint properly (limited range of motion)
What causes Haemophilus influenzae?
We now know that `Haemophilus influenzae` is a type of bacteria. There are six subtypes of this bacterium, from a to f. The other types are classified as "non-typeable". Of these, type b, or `Hib`, is responsible for 95% of severe, invasive infections.
These bacteria normally live in our nose and throat. Most of the time, they don't cause any problems there. However, when these bacteria travel to other parts of the body, they cause infections.
Is Haemophilus influenzae contagious?
Yes. If you are not vaccinated and protected against this bacteria, you can get sick with Haemophilus influenzae.
How is Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) transmitted?
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is spread from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes . These droplets contain the bacteria, and others can become sick if they breathe in these droplets. It can also be spread by close, prolonged contact with someone who has the bacteria in their nose or throat (even if they are not showing symptoms). Scientists believe that Hib bacteria cannot survive on inanimate surfaces or in the environment.
How long can I remain a breeder?
Experts are not sure about the exact "incubation period" of Haemophilus influenzae - the time it takes for symptoms to appear after the bacteria enter the body. However, researchers believe that symptoms can appear within a few days of infection.
How is Haemophilus influenzae diagnosed?
Your doctor will usually diagnose an H. influenzae infection with one or more laboratory tests. They may take a sample of your blood, spinal fluid, joint fluid, pleural fluid (fluid around the lungs), or a middle ear aspirate .
The first test is called a `Gram staining`. This `Gram stain` checks for bacteria in the sample and the type of bacteria that is causing the disease. After that, your doctor may also do a `culture` of blood or body fluids to confirm whether the bacteria are present.
Is `Haemophilus influenzae` gram-positive or gram-negative?
Under a `Gram stain`, bacteria change from one of two colors (pink to red or purple to blue). They are classified as `Gram-negative` or `Gram-positive`. `Haemophilus influenzae` is a gram-negative `coccobacillus` (a short, rod-shaped bacterium) . When viewed under a microscope, they appear red. Gram-negative bacteria have a hard outer shell. This protects them and makes them difficult to kill. They are resistant to most existing antibiotics, and these bacteria can find new ways to escape attack.
How is Haemophilus influenzae treated?
Treatment for Haemophilus influenzae depends on the type of infection or disease you have. Usually , antibiotics are given to fight the infection . However, it is important to remember that H. influenzae bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics.
Depending on the severity of your condition, you may need additional treatment in the hospital. This treatment may include:
- Breathing assistance – oxygen given through a face mask (`face mask oxygen`) or `intubation` (inserting a tube into the windpipe and connecting it to a machine).
- Administering steroids intravenously.
- Medications to treat low blood pressure.
- Wound care for damaged skin.
- Surgical drainage for joint infections (`Septic Arthritis`).
Is there a vaccine for `Haemophilus influenzae`?
Yes, there is! You can give your child the Hib vaccine to protect them from Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infections. The World Health Organization (CDC) recommends that all children under the age of 2 receive this vaccine . In Sri Lanka, it is also included in the national vaccination program.
Your child's doctor will usually give the Hib vaccine in three or four doses.
- Your baby will receive the first dose at 2 months of age .
- The second dose is given at 4 months .
- If four doses are given, the third dose is given at 6 months .
- Then, the final (booster) dose is given between 12 and 15 months of age to complete the vaccination series.
After this initial series of vaccinations, between 95% and 100% of children develop protective antibody levels against Hib .
The Hib vaccine can be given as a single vaccine [`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 is a combination of several vaccines given at the same time.
The Hib vaccine prevents infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b. However, it does not prevent infections caused by other types of H. influenzae. To prevent other types of H. influenzae, keep your child's hands clean and keep them away from people who are sick. Teach your child how to wash their hands at a young age.
What happens if my child gets Haemophilus influenzae?
The prognosis for H. influenzae infections depends on the type and severity of your child's condition. If the disease is diagnosed and treated early , your child's doctor can control the infection.
However, even with antibiotics, some H. influenzae infections can cause long-term complications . For example, a child may lose a limb due to bloodstream infections. About 20% of people who develop meningitis (inflammation of the brain) may develop permanent hearing loss or other neurological problems. Between 3% and 6% of all children who develop Hib infection die from the disease.
That's why we say getting vaccinated is so important . Also, seeking medical advice as soon as you notice symptoms can be life-saving.
When should my child see a doctor?
If your child shows any symptoms of an H. influenzae infection, you should take him to a doctor immediately . Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for these bacterial infections.
Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)
The bacteria `Haemophilus influenzae` can cause a variety of diseases, from minor, simple infections to very serious, life-threatening infections. The best way to prevent these infections is through vaccination . The CDC (World Health Organization) recommends that your child be vaccinated against the most common type of `Haemophilus influenzae`, type b (`Hib`). It is also included in the national vaccination program in Sri Lanka.
If your child is showing symptoms of an `H. influenzae` infection, don't waste time and see a doctor immediately . The sooner your child gets treatment, the better his or her chances of recovery and survival. As parents, it is very important for us to always be vigilant about our children's health.
` Haemophilus influenzae, Hib, bacterial infections, childhood diseases, vaccines, meningitis, pneumonia
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න