Haemophilus meningitis

Haemophilus meningitis is caused by a type of bacteria called Haemophilus influenzae serotype b which can cause meningitis.

Haemophilus influenzae serotype b is a bacterium which:

• is spread by:

  Droplet infection,

  Discharges from nose and throat during the infective period.

• its portal of entry is generally the nasopharynx.
• can cause: cellulitis, empyema, epiglottitis, osteomyelitis, pericarditis, pneumonia, septic arthritis.

Incubation period

unknown, 2 - 4 days probably

Signs and Symptoms

• Fever Vomiting
• Headache Lethargy
• Bulging fontanelle in infants Progressive stupor or coma is common
• Stiff neck and back in older children
• Haemophilus influenzae can also cause pneumonia. Infact, in third world countries it is the second leading cause of bacterial pneumonia deaths in children.

Diagnosis

Blood culture and sensitivity

Treatment

Ceftriaxone or cefatoxime i.v.

Control and Prevention

Routine childhood vaccination. Children over 2 months of age. (Child Immunisation Schedule)

Rifampicin should be given to:

1. All household members irrespective of age where there is an index case of haemophilus disease, and a child less than 3 years, except pregnant women, breastfeeding women, any person with severe impairment of hepatic function and children under the age of 3 months.
2. All room contacts where two or more cases of Hib disease have occurred in a play group, nursery or cresche with 120 days (exceptions as above).
3. Index cases of Hib disease prior to discharge from hospital, except children under the age of 3 months.

Monitor for cases occurring in susceptible population settings, ex: day care centres, cresche.