Haemophilus Influenzae, an Underdiagnosed Cause of Respiratory Tract Infections

Abstract

Background: Haemophilus influenzae is an obligate human parasite that is transmitted from person to person by the respiratory route. This organism causes several diseases which range from chronic respiratory to serious invasive infections. Haemophilus influenzae is prevalent worldwide, and the morbidity and mortality of the associated disease increases with the complications and therefore a laboratory diagnosis is a vital necessity. Aims and Objectives: The intention of the present study was to determine the prevalence of Haemophilus influenzae in patients who were suffering from respiratory tract infections and to study its antibiotic sensitivity pattern. Methods: Samples were collected from144 patients with upper and lower respiratory tract infections, who were segregated by their age groups. All the samples were analyzed in a specific manner, which included gram staining, culture and biochemical reactions for the identification of the organism. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was performed for the isolated organism. Based on the findings, the results were analyzed. Results: The results showed a prevalence of 18.05%, with the maximum numbers of isolates in patients of the age group of 0-10 years and the least number of isolates in patients of the age group of 21-30 years. The antibiotic sensitivity pattern showed a high susceptibility to the commonly used antibiotics. Interpretation and Conclusion: An overall finding showed that the prevalence of Haemophilus influenzae in patients with respiratory tract infections was 18.05%, with a higher prevalence in the paediatric age group. Specific isolation of the organism and sensitivity testing are essential to enable the proper administration of antibiotics for early treatment and prevention.

Keywords

• haemophilus influenzae
• x and v factor
• levinthal agar
• haemophilus spp.culture
• satellitism