Hibsjukdom

Hibsjukdom, also known as Haemophilus influenzae type b infection, is a bacterial disease caused by the pathogen Haemophilus influenzae serotype b. The organism is a gram‑negative rod that lives in the nasopharynx of humans. Transmission occurs mainly through respiratory droplets and close contact with an infected individual. In susceptible children, especially those under five years old, the bacterium can invade the bloodstream and central nervous system, leading to serious illnesses such as meningitis, epiglottitis, septic arthritis, and pneumonia. Adults and the elderly may experience milder forms, such as sinusitis or otitis media, or develop invasive disease if immunocompromised.

Clinical presentation depends on the site of infection. Meningitis is marked by fever, neck stiffness, photophobia, and altered consciousness. Epiglottitis presents with high fever, sore throat, dysphagia, drooling, and stridor, requiring rapid airway management. Sepsis may manifest with hypotension, tachycardia, and purulent sputum. Diagnosis is established by culturing the organism from blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or other sterile sites, and serotyping can confirm the Hib strain. Antibiotics such as ceftriaxone or ampicillin are effective, but early treatment is crucial to prevent complications.

Prevention relies on routine immunization. The Hib vaccine, available as a conjugate polysaccharide‑protein formulation, is included in most national childhood immunization schedules. Vaccination induces a protective immune response that reduces the incidence of invasive Hib disease by more than 90 percent. In addition to vaccination, hand hygiene, avoidance of close contact during outbreaks, and early medical evaluation of suspicious symptoms help limit transmission and improve outcomes.