Abstract
Non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) and Haemophilus haemolyticus are closely related bacteria that reside in the upper respiratory tract. NTHi is associated with respiratory tract infections that frequently result in antibiotic prescription whilst H. haemolyticus is rarely associated with disease. NTHi and H. haemolyticus can be indistinguishable by traditional culture methods and molecular differentiation has proven difficult. This current review chronologically summarizes the molecular approaches that have been developed for differentiation of NTHi from H. haemolyticus, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each target and/or technique. We also provide suggestions for the development of new tools that would be suitable for clinical and research laboratories.
Highlights
Identification and taxonomic classification of Haemophilus species can be challenging (Norskov-Lauritsen, 2014). This is true for Haemophilus haemolyticus, which is often misidentified as non-typeable H. influenzae (NTHi) despite significant differences in pathogenicity
In a landmark study in 2007, Murphy et al identified NTHi isolates with altered culture phenotypes from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (Murphy et al, 2007)
Using a combination of genetic and immunological techniques, they found that the variant isolates were non-hemolytic H. haemolyticus, a closely related respiratory tract commensal that appears similar to NTHi via culture
Summary
Identification and taxonomic classification of Haemophilus species can be challenging (Norskov-Lauritsen, 2014). 22/78 H. influenzae isolates were not positive for fucK PCR and one H. haemolyticus was positive fucK PCR was 75% sensitive and 75% specific for study-defined NTHi detects H. influenzae and not the H. haemolyticus strain tested hap
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