Causes of Haemophilus Infection in Children
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Causes of Haemophilus Infection
H. Influenzae - gram-negative pleomorphic rod-shaped or coccoid cells measuring (0.2-0.3) x (0.5-2) μm. They are located in strokes singly or in pairs, and sometimes in the form of short chains and groups. On dense media, small (up to 1 mm in diameter) round, colorless colonies are formed. Microorganisms are immovable, they do not form a spore, but the formation of capsular forms with which they bind pathogenic properties is possible. The causative agent produces endotoxin, the carrier of which is considered capsular polysaccharides. Antigenic structure distinguishes 6 serotypes (a, b, c, d, e, f) - The leading value in the development of various pathological conditions is of type b. The microorganism is pathogenic only to humans,
[Pathogenesis of Hemophilus Infection
The disease occurs when a combination of early age and a decrease in local protection and general specific reactivity. The genetic predisposition, the formation of the epidemic clone of the pathogen, its combination with other microorganisms (mixed infection) are also important.
In the child's organism, the causative agent is usually localized in the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx and respiratory tract, is located both outside and intracellularly. Endogenous infection occurs in conditions of total depression of cellular and humoral immunity, usually manifesting as a complication of ARVI or other viral or bacterial infection.
When exogenous infection, bacteria enter the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, causing an acute inflammatory process in the form of bronchitis, pneumonia, otitis, tonsillitis, etc. It is also possible to form abscesses, phlegmon, purulent meningitis, sepsis. In severe cases, H. Influenzae type b is usually sown, other types are identified almost exclusively with mild forms of the disease.