Haemophilus influenzae infections meningitis

There are a number of practical problems involved with using polysaccharides as vaccines as there are frequently too many different chemotypes for it to be practicable to prepare a vaccine. In some cases a limited number of serotypes are the dominant cause of infection and it may then be possible to produce vaccines. A major problem is the poor immune response elicited by polysaccharide antigens, which may in some cases be improved by chemical modification. This is (fie case for vaccines for Haemophilus influenzae type b (a causative agent of meningitis), where the antigenicity of the polysaccharide can be increased by coupling to proteins. 

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. 

Rifampin is used in a variety of other clinical situations. An oral dosage of 600 mg twice daily for 2 days can eliminate meningococcal carriage. Rifampin, 20 mg/kg/d for 4 days, is used as prophylaxis in contacts of children with Haemophilus influenzae type b disease. Rifampin combined with a second agent is used to eradicate staphylococcal carriage. Rifampin combination therapy is also indicated for treatment of serious staphylococcal infections such as osteomyelitis and prosthetic valve endocarditis. Rifampin has been recommended also for use in combination with ceftriaxone or vancomycin in treatment of meningitis caused by highly penicillin-resistant strains of pneumococci. 

Haemophilus influenzae Upper respiratory tract infections, otitis media, sinusitis, pneumonia, meningitis Conjunctivitis, dacryocystitis, preseptal and orbital cellulitis, endophthalmitis... 

Polymyxin B may be indicated (when less toxic drugs are ineffective or contraindicated) in serious infections caused by susceptible strains of the following organisms Haemophilus influenzae (meningeal infections) Escherichia coli (urinary tract infections) Enterobacter aero-genes (bacteremia) Klebsiella pneumoniae (bacteremia). In meningeal infections, polymyxin B sulfate must be administered only intrathecally. 

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