Haemophilus Influenzae type b Disease

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The Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacterium is an important cause of infections such as acute bacterial meningitis, pneumonia, acute epiglottitis and otitis media in children less than 5 years old. Hib disease is not common beyond 5 years of age.

Hib infections are preventable by the five-in-one (penta) vaccine (See EPI ‘Schedule for routine Immunisation of children under 5 years’).

Cause

  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

Symptoms

  • Fever
  • Other symptoms associated with pneumonia, otitis media, meningitis, septicaemia 

Signs

(See signs and symptoms of the specific diseases in other sections)

Investigations

  • Culture and sensitivity of appropriate body fluids (e.g. pus from the ear in suppurative otitis media, cerebrospinal fluid in meningitis, pleural aspirate in empyema, blood). 

Note: Blood culture is only relevant in invasive disease and would not be helpful in uncomplicated pneumonias

TreatmentTreatment Objectives

  • To eliminate the bacteria 
  • To provide supportive care

Non-pharmacological treatment

  • Refer to relevant sections on the presenting illness e.g. meningitis, pneumonia 

Pharmacological treatment 

  • Refer to relevant sections on the presenting illness e.g. meningitis, pneumonia

Referral Criteria

  • All patients who fail to show remarkable signs of improvement in 3 days following drug treatment, or present with complications should be  referred for higher-level care.