Bacteria h. influenzae (Hib) causes what disease?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor II Huynh Thi Diem Thuy - Vaccine Consultant - Pediatrics - Neonatology Department, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
Children, especially children under 2 years of age, are susceptible to dangerous diseases such as meningitis, pericarditis, epiglottitis, bacteremia, pneumonia, osteomyelitis, etc. caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). If not treated in time, it can lead to death.

1. Characteristics of haemophilus influenzae

Haemophilus influenzae is a small, gram-negative bacteria with many different shapes, this bacterium belongs to anaerobic and aerobic strains. Haemophilus influenzae bacteria has been isolated into 6 types from a to z, in which haemophilus influenzae type b, also known as Hib bacteria, is the main cause of disease in children under 6 years of age.

2. How is haemophilus influenzae spread?

Diseases caused by haemophilus influenzae bacteria are capable of being transmitted through direct contact with secretions or the air. After entering the human body, haemophilus bacteria are capable of causing systemic disease, by blood to the body. meningitis.
Hib bacteria cause disease mainly in young children, especially children under 2 years old, who are most susceptible to infection. From 2 years of age and older, children will have preventive immunity through natural exposure to disease.

3. What symptoms does haemophilus influenzae cause?

Haemophilus influenzae bacteria can take 2 to 4 days to show symptoms in the body of an infected person. Depending on a number of factors, especially the location of the patient's body being attacked by Hib bacteria, different pathological symptoms will appear:
In the case of a child with Hib meningitis, there will be manifested as photophobia, stiff neck, anorexia, somnolence, irritability, and high fever.
In the case of haemophilus influenzae bacteria causing pneumonia in children, it will cause symptoms of shortness of breath, respiratory failure, high fever....
If the child has epiglottitis caused by haemophilus influenzae bacteria, there will be symptoms such as high fever, difficulty breathing, drooling and restlessness.
Diseases such as meningitis, pneumonia, epiglottitis... caused by Haemophilus influenzae in young children, if not treated promptly, can lead to death.

4. Treatment of diseases caused by the bacteria haemophilus influenzae

To treat diseases caused by haemophilus influenzae bacteria in young children, parents need to take the child to the hospital to be examined and diagnosed by a doctor and given an appropriate treatment plan.
Some drugs are recommended to treat diseases caused by haemophilus influenzae bacteria, including: Cephalosporin, ampicillin... and the duration of treatment should last 1-2 weeks. In addition, glucocorticoids can be used to reduce the rate of neurological sequelae... In the event that bacteria are resistant to beta-lactamase-producing and ampicillin-resistant strains of bacteria, it is necessary to use a in the alternative drugs are trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazol, broad-spectrum cephalosporins, clarithromycin... However, how to use the drug needs to follow the instructions of the treating doctor.
In case the patient has epiglottitis, mechanical ventilation can be used to clear the airway and prevent inflammation of the airways.

5. Prevention of diseases caused by haemophilus influenzae

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent diseases caused by Hib bacteria. It is recommended that all children be vaccinated against Hib bacteria from the age of 2 months. In addition, parents need to ensure clean hygiene and ensure that their children eat nutritious food. Oral hygiene and active treatment of ENT diseases for children...
Currently, vaccines against Hib bacteria can be used in the form of a combination vaccine to prevent other diseases in the future. the same injection, to reduce the number of injections and reduce pain for the child. Parents need to learn and complete the vaccination regimen for their children to help prevent diseases effectively and safely.
Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital provides a service of vaccination against Hib bacteria to help children effectively prevent disease. Choosing to vaccinate at Vinmec Hospital, customers will enjoy the following benefits:
Children are examined and fully screened by pediatric specialists - Vaccines for physical and health problems , advice on preventive vaccines and injection regimens, how to monitor and care for children after vaccination before giving an indication to vaccinate according to the latest recommendations of the Ministry of Health & World Health Organization in order to ensure the best effect and safest for children. A team of experienced and professional pediatric doctors and nurses, understand children's psychology and apply effective pain relief methods for children during the vaccination process. 100% of vaccinated children were monitored for 30 minutes after vaccination and reassessed before leaving. Being monitored before, during and after vaccination at Vinmec Health System and always has an emergency team ready to coordinate with the vaccination room to handle cases of anaphylaxis, respiratory failure - circulatory arrest, Ensure timely and correct handling when incidents occur. Vaccination room is airy, has a play area, helps children feel comfortable and good psychologically before and after vaccination. Vaccines are imported and stored in a modern cold storage system, with a cold chain that meets GSP standards, keeping vaccines in the best conditions to ensure quality. Parents will receive a reminder message before the vaccination date and their child's vaccination information will be synchronized with the national immunization information system.

Vinmec International General Hospital is currently providing a Package Immunization Program with a variety of vaccines for different audiences, from infants, young children, adults, and women before and during pregnancy pregnant.
Particularly in December 2019, Vinmec will give you free newborn hepatitis B vaccination (immunization immediately after birth) when you sign up for the Package Immunization Package for children aged 0-1 or 0- 2 years old .

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.