HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE Meaning and
Definition
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Haemophilus influenzae refers to a type of gram-negative, non-motile, pleomorphic bacterium belonging to the Haemophilus genus. It is an encapsulated bacterium that commonly colonizes the upper respiratory tract in humans. The name "Haemophilus influenzae" is derived from its initial identification as the causative agent of influenza, though it is not directly associated with the flu.
Haemophilus influenzae can be further classified into two main strains - typeable and non-typeable. Typeable strains possess a specific outer capsule which helps in their identification, while non-typeable strains lack this capsule and are commonly found in respiratory infections.
This bacterium is responsible for a range of infections, notably meningitis, pneumonia, septic arthritis, cellulitis, and otitis media. In young children, Haemophilus influenzae is a leading cause of meningitis. The bacteria can invade the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body, leading to serious complications if left untreated. It can also cause respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and sinusitis.
Haemophilus influenzae is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets from infected individuals. It can be diagnosed through laboratory testing, including the isolation and identification of the bacterium from clinical samples. In some cases, a specific test, known as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), may be employed for a more accurate diagnosis.
Prevention against Haemophilus influenzae infections is possible through vaccination, particularly with the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, which is routinely given to infants as part of their immunization schedule. Treatment usually involves the administration of antibiotics, such as ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, or cefotaxime,
Common Misspellings for HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE
- gaemophilus influenzae
- baemophilus influenzae
- naemophilus influenzae
- jaemophilus influenzae
- uaemophilus influenzae
- yaemophilus influenzae
- hzemophilus influenzae
- hsemophilus influenzae
- hwemophilus influenzae
- hqemophilus influenzae
- hawmophilus influenzae
- hasmophilus influenzae
- hadmophilus influenzae
- harmophilus influenzae
- ha4mophilus influenzae
- ha3mophilus influenzae
- haenophilus influenzae
- haekophilus influenzae
- haejophilus influenzae
- haemiphilus influenzae
Etymology of HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE
The word "Haemophilus influenzae" has its roots in Latin and Greek.
- "Haemophilus" is derived from the Latin word "haemus", which means blood, and the Greek word "philos", which means loving. Thus, "Haemophilus" roughly translates to "blood-loving".
- "Influenzae" comes from the Italian word "influenza", meaning influence, and it was named after the flu virus. The Latin root of "influenzae" is "influentia", meaning influx or influence. The term "influenza" originally referred to the influence of the stars on diseases.
Therefore, "Haemophilus influenzae" can be interpreted as the "blood-loving influence", referring to the bacterium's ability to cause various infections, including influenza-like illnesses.
