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Treatment and prevention of hemophilus influenzae infection
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
Treatment of Haemophilus influenzae infection
Antibiotics are of primary importance in the complex therapy of diseases caused by H. influenzae. The drugs of choice are cephalosporins of the third and fourth generations. The pathogen is also highly sensitive to chloramphenicol, gentamicin, rifampicin, but is resistant to oxacillin, lincomycin, etc. In severe cases, it is recommended to prescribe two antibiotics. Upon receipt of the antibiogram, the appropriate correction is made to the combination of antibiotics. In recent years, there have been reports of H. influenzae strains acquiring resistance to many antibiotics. General strengthening and symptomatic treatment are of great importance. It is especially important to open the source of infection or drain the pleural cavity in a timely manner.
Prevention of Haemophilus influenzae infection
For active prevention, a vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae is used, which contains purified capsular polysaccharide of H. influenzae type b, conjugated with tetanus toxoid protein. Non-specific methods of prevention are also of some importance: strict isolation of newborns, separation of young children, hygienic maintenance of the skin, a complex of general strengthening and stimulating therapy.