ISOLATION AND ANTIBIOGRAM PATTERN OF HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE ISOLATED FROM BRONCHIAL WASHING OF PATIENTS UNDERGOING BRONCHOSCOPY

Background – Haemophilus influenzae is the second most important causative agent of pneumonia in outpatients. The aim of this survey was to perform isolation, to identify biotype, serotype, and antimicrobial sensitivity pattern of Haemophilus influenzae in patients undergoing bronchoscopy. Methods – In this study 170 bronchial washing specimens were taken from patients 1 – 70 years old, and were cultured on blood agar, chocolate agar, cefsulodin chocolate agar, and Fildes media. The presence of encapsulated bacteria was identified by Fildes medium neqrosin and Congo red staining. Biotyping and serotyping were performed by serological methods. Results – The results showed that 14 (8.23%) cases were positive for H. influenzae, of which 78.5% were unencapsulated. The cases were identified as I, II, III, and V biotypes. A statistically significant relationship was found between unencapsulated H. influenzae and the age of the subjects (p = 0.0345), and their occupation, e.g., cotton-beater and mine workers (p = 0.0196). From isolated bacteria, 85.7% were sensitive to chloramphenicol and 71.42% to ampicillin and cefotaxime. Conclusion – Age and occupation are two risk factors for this bacterial respiratory, and the prevalent biotypes in the region were I, II, III and V. Fortunately, some antibiotics are too high degrees, effective on this agent.