Haemophilus influenzae

• What type of bacteria is Haemophilus influenzae?

  Gram -ve
• What enzyme activity does Haemophilus influenzae exhibit?

  Catalase +ve
• What is the oxidase status of Haemophilus influenzae?

  Oxidase +ve
• What is the shape of Haemophilus influenzae?

  Coccobacillus
• Is Haemophilus influenzae encapsulated?

  Yes, it is encapsulated
• What type of anaerobe is Haemophilus influenzae?

  Facultative Anaerobe
• On which type of agar does Haemophilus influenzae grow?

  Chocolate Agar
• What growth factors does Haemophilus influenzae require?

  Growth Factors V (NAD) & X (Hemin)
• Where is the reservoir for Haemophilus influenzae?

  Nasopharynx
• How is Haemophilus influenzae transmitted?

  Respiratory Droplets
• What is the function of IgA protease in Haemophilus influenzae?

  Cleaves mucosal IgA for adherence
• What is the role of capsular polysaccharides in Haemophilus influenzae?

  They are antiphagocytic
• What does lipooligosaccharide (LOS) do in Haemophilus influenzae?

  Induces TNF-alpha and IL-1
• Which strains of Haemophilus influenzae usually cause infections?

  Unencapsulated strains
• What are the clinical manifestations of Haemophilus influenzae infections?

  • Mucosal Infections:
  • Sinusitis
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Otitis Media
  • Pneumonia (CAP)
  • Epiglottitis
  • Invasive Infections:
  • Meningitis
• What specimens are used for microbiological diagnosis of Haemophilus influenzae?

  CSF, Sputum, Nasopharyngeal Swabs
• What microscopy technique is used for diagnosing Haemophilus influenzae?

  Gram Staining
• What culture method is used for Haemophilus influenzae?

  Parallel Culture on Blood & Chocolate Agar
• What test can be used for diagnosing Haemophilus influenzae?

  Latex Agglutination
• What are the treatment options for Haemophilus influenzae infections?

  • Amoxicillin PLUS/OR Clavulanate
  • 2nd Generation Cephalosporins (e.g., cefoxitin)
  • 3rd Generation Cephalosporins (e.g., cefotaxime)
  • Meningitis: Ceftriaxone
• What is the prevention method for close contacts of Haemophilus influenzae?

  Rifampin
• What components are included in the subunit vaccine for Haemophilus influenzae type B?

  • Pertussis Toxoid
  • Filamentous Haemagglutinin
  • Diphtheria Toxoid
  • Tetanus Toxoid
  • Inactivated Poliomyelitis Virus
  • Polysaccharide of H. influenzae type B