Which bug is linked to COPD, unvaccinated children, otitis media, meningitis?

Which bug is linked to COPD, unvaccinated children, otitis media, meningitis?

• A. Staphylococcus aureus
• B. Haemophilus influenzae
• C. Streptococcus pneumoniae
• D. Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Answer: (B)

Haemophilus influenzae is the organism that best fits all the clues. In COPD, non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae is a common cause of acute exacerbations because these strains colonize the airways and drive inflammation. In children who are not vaccinated against Haemophilus influenzae type b, Hib is a classic cause of bacterial meningitis. Haemophilus influenzae also frequently causes otitis media in children, particularly the non-typeable strains that reside in the nasopharynx and can spread to the middle ear. Taken together, the link to COPD, the risk in unvaccinated children, and the associations with otitis media and meningitis point to Haemophilus influenzae as the correct choice.

Haemophilus influenzae is the organism that best fits all the clues. In COPD, non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae is a common cause of acute exacerbations because these strains colonize the airways and drive inflammation. In children who are not vaccinated against Haemophilus influenzae type b, Hib is a classic cause of bacterial meningitis. Haemophilus influenzae also frequently causes otitis media in children, particularly the non-typeable strains that reside in the nasopharynx and can spread to the middle ear. Taken together, the link to COPD, the risk in unvaccinated children, and the associations with otitis media and meningitis point to Haemophilus influenzae as the correct choice.