Haemophilus influenzae type B

Most of the trouble caused by Hib, occurs when the bacteria enter the bloodstream and disperse throughout the body. Hib infection can affect many organs and systems, and cause a wide range of problems, including pneumonia and meningitis, which can be potentially fatal.

Despite their confusing name, Hib bacteria do not cause influenza, which is a viral disease.

The Hib vaccine was introduced in the early 1990s, and is now part of the childhood immunisation schedule in many countries. Before its introduction, Hib bacteria accounted for nearly half of meningitis cases, especially in infants. After the vaccine was introduced, Hib-related meningitis have rates dropped by about 90% in developed countries.

The most recent estimates are that about 200,000 children under the age of five die every year, worldwide, from Hib-related illnesses, primarily due to low vaccination rates in some developing countries. Hib infections account for 2% of global deaths for this age group.

Types

Haemophilus influenzae type B can lead to several types of infections, depending on the organ that it affects. The major conditions that Hib can cause include:

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection. Each lung is filled with thousands of small airways that branch into tiny air sacs, which allow oxygen from the air we breathe to enter the blood. If you have pneumonia, these air sacs in the lung fill with fluid and mucus, which interferes with this process.

If you have pneumonia you may experience some of these symptoms:

• Coughing that produces mucus;
• Fever;
• Shaking and chills;
• Shortness of breath and fast breathing;
• Chest pain;
• Rapid heartbeat;
• Tiredness or feeling very weak;
• Sweating;
• Headache, and;
• Muscle pain.

Meningitis

Hib infection was the foremost cause of meningitis in babies and young children before the Hib vaccines were introduced. Today, it is mostly found in unvaccinated people. Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the protective layers surrounding the brain. It is a serious medical emergency that can be life-threatening.

The signs and symptoms of meningitis can closely resemble those of other less serious infective-illnesses such as the flu. They can appear quickly, sometimes hours after infection, or over a few days.

The diagnosis is not always obvious so it is very important to seek professional medical help if you suspect meningitis.

Symptoms in adults

The 'classic' symptoms include:

• Sudden fever;
• Severe headache;
• Stiff neck, and;
• Confusion or trouble concentrating.

Symptoms in infants

In infants, the symptoms may appear slightly different. They include:

• High fever;
• Sleepiness;
• Irritability - constant crying, moaning or grunting;
• Inactivity;
• Lack of appetite or disinterest in feeding;
• Vomiting or nausea;
• Stiffness in the body and neck, and;
• A swelling in the soft spot on top of the baby's head, known as the fontanelle.

Pericarditis

Pericarditis is an inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart (the pericardium). Symptoms of pericarditis can include:

• High fever;
• Hacking cough;
• Shortness of breath;
• Tiredness, and;
• Vomiting or nausea.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is infection of the skin. Hib-related cellulitis can show up in infants as bluish-purple spots on the cheeks, around the eye sockets or on the neck. The affected area is tender to the touch. It is usually accompanied by fever.

Hib-related cellulitis can show up bluish spots on the cheeks. 

Epiglottitis

Epiglottitis is inflammation of the epiglottis, the flap of tissue at the base of the tongue, that prevents food and drink from getting into the airways when we eat. An inflamed, swollen epiglottis is a serious condition for infants and young children. The inflammation can develop rapidly and block the airway, leading to breathing difficulties. If severe epiglottitis is not treated immediately, it can cause death.

Septic arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. Hib infection can lead to arthritis, making joints swollen and tender, and movement painful. Babies with arthritis can be irritable and may not want to be moved or handled.

Methods for diagnosis

If your doctor suspects an Hib infection, they will usually take a body fluid sample (e.g., blood or fluid from around the spinal cord and brain) and test it for the presence of Hib bacteria.

Types of treatment

Hib infection is treated with antibiotics. The bacteria are notoriously resistant to penicillin and its derivatives, so other types of antibiotics are often used. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as corticosteroids, can also sometimes be used.

For individuals with epiglottitis, a doctor may decide to insert a breathing tube to help with breathing.

Prevention

The Hib vaccine is a safe and effective way of preventing Hib infection.

For people who share a living space with a person infected with Hib, antibiotics may be recommended to prevent the infection in the unaffected individuals.

The Hib vaccine is an effective way of preventing a Hib infection.