Haemophilus

Question

My daughter, 2.5 years old with CF, got her first bacteria, Haemophilus, which has just being treated by antibiotics for 2 weeks. What about this bacteria? Is it dangerous? Is it possible to get it playing in sand on the beach? Thank you

Answer

Hello,
Haemophilus influenzae is a very common bacteria, involved in the commensal (normal) flora in the rhinopharynx of children with or without cystic fibrosis. This organism may be responsible for diseases like rhinopharyngitis or otitis in toddlers or young children. These infections occur especially in collectivities, daycare centrer or nursery schools, where the bacteria is spread easily from one child to another through droplets of saliva. However, a possible contamination by the sand of the beach is very unlikely.
In cystic fibrosis, it is frequent to identify this organism in sputum.
2008 data from the French National Registry of Cystic Fibrosis (www.registredelamuco.org.) show that 43.7% of children aged 0-4 years got at least once a year, a sputum culture positive for Haemophilus influenzae. This prevalence remains high up to 10 years and then decreases clearly in adolescence and adulthood.
The treatment of Haemophilus infection usually involves oral antibiotics, associated with physiotherapy, leading to the resolution of the infectious episode.
So, this bacteria is very common at the age of your daughter, and should not be considered as a serious event.
Cordially

30.05.2011