Haemophilus influenzae type b

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Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a bacteria responsible for severe pneumonia, meningitis and other invasive diseases almost exclusively in children aged less than 5 years. It is transmitted through the respiratory tract from infected to susceptible individuals.

Pronunciation

The pronunciation of Haemophilus influenzae type b is /ˌhiːməˈfɪləs ˌɪnflʊˈɛnzaɪ taɪp biː/.

Etymology

The name Haemophilus influenzae derives from the Greek haima (blood), philos (loving), and influenzae (of the flu), as it was originally thought to be the causative agent of influenza during an outbreak in 1892. The type b (Hib) refers to the specific serotype of this bacterium.

Related Terms

  • Bacteria: Microscopic single-celled organisms that can be beneficial or harmful to humans.
  • Pneumonia: An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs.
  • Meningitis: An inflammation of the membranes (meninges) surrounding your brain and spinal cord.
  • Influenza: A viral infection that attacks your respiratory system.
  • Serotype: A group within a single species of microorganisms, such as bacteria or viruses, which share distinctive surface chemical structures.

See Also

External links

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