Hemophilus Influenzae

Abstract

Two distinct types of<b>Hemophilus influenzae</b>pneumonia occur. In both, an antecedent upper respiratory infection may be important. Lobar or segmental pneumonias affect persons without previous lung disease. These are type b infections. Abscess, empyema, or pleural fibrosis may occur. Mortality is related to meningitis which may follow bacteremia. The increasingly common second type is a moderate diffuse miliary bronchopneumonia affecting middle-aged to elderly persons with chronic lung disease. Myalgias and absence of fever are often striking. Cigarette smoking is an underlying factor. Smooth strains (types a-f) as well as nontypable rough forms are involved. Intrathoracic complications are rare. Rather than the results of acute pneumonia, deaths mirror severity of previous lung or cardiac disease. Ampicillin or the tetracyclines are the antimicrobial drugs of choice.