Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Disease - Causes, Symptoms & Treament

Overview

Haemophilus influenzae type B diseases are a group of diseases caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B bacteria. This includes a number of serious infections such as meningitis, pneumonia, epiglottitis, pericarditis, osteomyelitis, cellulitis, septic arthritis, and septicemia.

Signs and Symptoms

Fever, Confusion, Stiff neck, Headache, Skin rash or redness, Seizures, Photosensitivity, Cough, Shortness of breath, Chest pain, Coughing up blood, Sore throat, Pain or difficulty swallowing, Hoarse voice, Joint pain and redness, Bone pain

Common Causes

Haemophilus influenzae type B bacteria spread through inhalation of air droplets when people infected with Haemophilus influenzae type B bacterial infection coughs and sneezes, Haemophilus influenzae type B bacteria spread through contact with a contaminated surface, Haemophilus influenzae type B bacteria spread through aspiration of amniotic fluid

Risk Factors

Have not had Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine, People below the age of 5 and above the age of 65, Newborns and infants born to mothers with Haemophilus influenzae type B infection, People working in schools or childcare centres, People with the weakened immune system due to the usage of certain medications or underlying medical conditions such as sickle cell disease, human immunodeficiency virus infection and cancer

Investigation Techniques

Medical history, Physical examination, Blood tests including full blood count, c-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Sputum test, X-rays of the affected area, Electrocardiogram, Echocardiogram, Fibre optic laryngoscopy, Throat swab culture, Computed tomography (CT) scan, Lumbar puncture, Cerebrospinal fluid culture, Blood culture, Joint aspiration and synovial fluid analysis

Treatment and Prevention

Bed rest, Oral medications such as antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory painkillers, Breathing support such as oxygen and tracheostomy, Joint drainage via arthroscopy, needle or surgery, Chemoprophylaxis for close contacts of Haemophilus influenzae type B cases, Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccination