Bacteria Haemophilus influenzae

An atypical ribitol TA was found in a capsule of the Gram-negative bacteria Haemophilus influenza type a18) (5). The monomeric unit of this polymer consists of 4-0-P-D-glucopyranosyl-D-ribitol-5-phosphate linked at the 4 position in the sugar residue. 

The determination of the structure of the iron transporter, ferric-binding, protein (hFBP)t from Haemophilus influenzae (Bruns et ah, 1997) at 0.16 nm resolution shows that it is a member of the transferrin superfamily, which includes both the transferrins and a number of periplasmic binding proteins (PBP). The PBPs transport a wide variety of nutrients, including sugars, amino acids and ions, across the periplasm from the outer to the inner (plasma) membrane in bacteria (see Chapter 3). Iron binding by transferrins (see below) requires concomitant binding of a carbonate anion, which is located at the N-terminus of a helix. This corresponds to the site at which the anions are specifically bound in the bacterial periplasmic sulfate- and... 

CNS infections may be caused by a variety of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. The most common causes of bacterial meningitis include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Listeria monocytogenes, and Haemophilus influenzae. 

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of acute otitis media (20% to 35%). Nontypable strains of Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis are each responsible for 20% to 30% and 20% of cases, respectively. In 44% of cases, a viral etiology is found with or without concomitant bacteria. 

Haemophilus influenzae and H. ducreyi are sensitive to trimethoprim. Pathogenic Neisseria (meningococci and gonococci) and Branhamella catarrhalis are moderately resistant to trimethoprim, although they are very sensitive to a combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. Anaerobic bacteria in general are resistant to trimethoprim, although a combination of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole does have an effect on them. Pneumocystis carinii is also sensitive to that combination. 

Infections of the external eye can be caused by viruses and by bacteria from the respiratory tract such as pneumococci and Haemophilus influenzae. Infections of the internal eye can be caused by the same bacteria through spread from a corneal (traumatic) ulcer or by S. aureus. The same pathogens are responsible for periorbital spread in severe sinusitis. Treponema pallidum, CMV and Toxoplasma cause intra-ocular infections. 

The major precipitants of exacerbations of COPD are acute airways infections. The role of bacteria in precipitating exacerbations is controversial. Bacteria may have a primary role in the development of an exacerbation or represent a secondary superinfection of an initial viral process. The major bacterial organisms that have been associated with exacerbations are Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis. Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae may play a part. In COPD patients with a FEVi < 35% predicted gram-negative bacteria, especially Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas spp. play an important part in acute exacerbations. 

Haemophilus influenzae is a bacteria which exists in many forms. The type B form called Hib, commonly produces disease in humans by colonizing the upper respiratory tract of up to 80 percent of the population and is major cause of infection and mortality in children. 

Two types of gram-negative rods cause eye infections. Haemophilus influenzae causes infections in early childhood, with otitis media and conjimctivitis often seen concurrently. The enteric gram-negative rods include Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, Proteus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These bacteria are typically found in the intestinal tract and commonly cause urinary tract infections. In the eye they can cause corneal ulcers. 

---