Hemophilus influenzae respiratory infection in adults

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Hemophilus influenzae, long regarded by the medical community primarily as a pediatric pathogen, is recognized increasingly as a cause of pneumonia and acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis in adult patients. H influenzae pneumonia may even strike young otherwise healthy adults.

In the first part of this two-part article, Dr Parker describes key features of the bacteriology of the organism as well as the clinical features of H influenzae disease. In the second part, which begins on page 187, he discusses treatment Dr Parker has thoughtfully provided a self-assessment test with his article as an incentive for learning. The test (page 191) does not carry CME credit.