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Haemophilus parainfluenzae
📚 Related Subjects: | Listeriosis | Moraxella catarrhalis | Leptospira interrogans | Lactobacillus acidophilus | Helicobacter pylori | Haemophilus parainfluenzae | Haemophilus influenzae
📖 About
- Haemophilus parainfluenzae belongs to the Parvobacteria group and is part of the normal respiratory flora 👃.
- Although usually harmless, it can act as an opportunistic pathogen, especially in patients with chronic illness or immunocompromise.
🔬 Characteristics
- Gram-negative, pleomorphic (varied shape) rods.
- Fastidious organism → requires NAD (Factor V) but not hemin (Factor X) for growth.
- Lacks a capsule, distinguishing it from H. influenzae type B 🧪.
🌍 Source
- Found in the upper respiratory tract as part of normal flora.
- Becomes pathogenic in patients with COPD, chronic lung disease, or immunosuppression.
🦠 Pathogenicity
- 🚬 COPD exacerbations: one of the common bacterial triggers.
- Respiratory tract infections → bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis.
- Rarely → invasive infections such as endocarditis, septicaemia, or meningitis.
🧪 Investigations
- Gram stain and microscopy of sputum, blood, or CSF.
- Cultured on chocolate agar with NAD (Factor V) supplementation.
- PCR or serology in severe/systemic cases.
💊 Resistance
- Some strains produce beta-lactamase → resistance to penicillins ⚠️.
- Resistance patterns vary → sensitivity testing is important.
🩺 Management
- First-line: Beta-lactam + beta-lactamase inhibitor (e.g., co-amoxiclav).
- Alternatives: Cephalosporins, macrolides, or fluoroquinolones depending on sensitivity.
- Severe disease (e.g., pneumonia, endocarditis): may require IV antibiotics + supportive care (oxygen, ventilation if COPD exacerbation is severe).
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