Haemophilus parainfluenzae

Haemophilus parainfluenzae
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Bacteria
Phylum: Pseudomonadota
Class: Gammaproteobacteria
Order: Pasteurellales
Family: Pasteurellaceae
Genus: Haemophilus
Species:
H. parainfluenzae
Binomial name
Haemophilus parainfluenzae
Rivers 1922 (Approved Lists 1980)[1]

Haemophilus parainfluenzae is a species of Haemophilus.

It is one of the HACEK organisms.[2] H. parainfluenzae is an opportunistic pathogen that has been associated with endocarditis, bronchitis, otitis, conjunctivitis, pneumonia, abscesses and genital tract infections.

Natural genetic transformation

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H. parainfluenzae biotypes I and II are capable of natural genetic transformation.[3] Natural genetic transformation is a bacterial adaptation for DNA transfer. In order for a bacterium to bind, take up and recombine exogenous DNA into its genome it must enter a special physiological state termed natural competence. In H. parainfluenzae, competence is induced during the late stationary phase of growth.[3] Natural DNA transformation may play a major role in the exchange of genetic information among H. parainfluenzae isolates.

Treatment

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Acute H. parainfluenzae infections must be treated with antibiotics. Beta-lactam agents such as amoxicillin and ampicillin are antibiotics that are effective against H. parainfluenzae. The Duration of Antibiotic Therapy depends on the severity of the infection. In 40% of infective endocarditis cases caused by H. parainfluenzae, the best treatment is a valve replacement.[4]

References

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  1. ^ "Species: Haemophilus parainfluenzae". lpsn.dsmz.de.
  2. ^ HACEK Group Infections at eMedicine
  3. ^ a b Gromkova RC, Mottalini TC, Dove MG (1998). "Genetic transformation in Haemophilus parainfluenzae clinical isolates". Curr. Microbiol. 37 (2): 123–6. PMID 9662612.
  4. ^ Canada, P. H. A. of. (2020, December 21). Government of Canada. Canada.ca
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