Haemophilus influenzae type B

Haemophilus influenzae type B A bacterium that is capable of causing a range of diseases, including ear infections, soft tissue infection (cellulitis), arthritis, upper respiratory infections, and pneumonia; as well as such serious, invasive infections as meningitis with potential brain damage and epiglottitis with airway obstruction. Abbreviated HIB. HIB spreads by droplet through coughs and sneezing. About half the cases of HIB present as meningitis with fever, headache, and stiff neck. The remainder present as cellulitis, arthritis, or sepsis (bloodstream infection). About 5 percent of cases are fatal. Up to 20 percent of survivors of HIB have permanent hearing loss. More than 90 percent of all HIB infections occur in children 5 years or younger—the peak attack rate is at 6 to 12 months of age. See also Haemophilus influenzae type B immunization.