Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Although pediatric epiglottitis has become rare following the widespread use of the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, breakthrough infections still occur, whilst other H. influenzae serotypes continue to emerge. We present the case of a 10-year-old child, fully immunized against Hib, who developed epiglottitis. Blood cultures confirmed H. influenzae infection, and further microbiological characterization identified a non-typable strain. This case highlights the growing clinical relevance of H. influenzae strains not covered by the Hib vaccine and reinforces the need to maintain a high index of suspicion for epiglottitis as a cause of upper airway obstruction, even in fully immunized children, requiring early recognition and prompt management. Continuous monitoring is crucial for assessing how vaccination influences the epidemiological patterns of invasive H. influenzae disease.
Source: Cureus
Institution: Hospital de Cascais Dr José de Almeida
Language: English
Subfield: Microbiology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7124444766