Haemophilus influenzae Isolation

[GMcC2]

After many tests to find bacteria causing my lung problems, they’ve finally found Haemophilus influenzae isolation. Anyone know about this bacteria?

[Perce]

Yes I had this in December and it took a while to clear up as there are only two antibiotics that will clear it up, I had the wrong one for a week and ended up in A & E so they changed the antibiotic and I then had a 16 day course to clear it up.

Tetracycline and Ampicillin are the two antibiotics that work.

[GMcC2 in reply to Perce]

I have Doxycycline as allergic to lots of antibiotics. Will see if it works... 🤞

[cofdrop-UK]

Hi, You don’t say what lung condition you have. I have had numerous exacerbations caused by HI and at one time it was very persistent. It is a very common gram-negative (that is it has a biofilm around it) bacteria, certainly in bronchiectasis.

The type we get in our lungs in non-type and is usually sensitive to a number of antibiotics. I have been on neblised antibiotics when it was at its most persistant but I became intolerant to them.

If t becomes persistant you might want to ask your con if they think prophyactic antibiotics would be of benefit to you.

Good luck

Cx

[GMcC2 in reply to cofdrop-UK]

Thank you for your advice. Part of the problem is lack of diagnosis! I have asthma but I’ve had 2 years of hospital / pneumonia / pleurisy / lots of tests and all come back with no diagnosis. I’m looking for bacteria evidence to get a referral back to consultant - apparently he believes it’s just “bad luck”. I’ve had chest infection after chest infection for a year. Hoping to get some answers...

[cofdrop-UK in reply to GMcC2]

I would have thought doc can only say it’s ‘bad luck’ if s/he has actually done investigations. You say ‘referred back to consutant’, so what investigations did they do? If it were me I would ask for a scan, as that is the only way there is no underlying condition.

Love cx

[Poppins23 in reply to GMcC2]

Like many on here I've experienced a similar thing, being repeatedly referred to the respiratory team only to be told it was asthma exacerbated by a chest infection. Fortunately last year I had a new asthma nurse who queried bronchiectasis and who pushed it forward with the support of my GP. Even then the consultant was sceptical. The only way for a definitive diagnosis is with a ct scan.

[Pwkav1]

Hi, i have had this for almost 2 years now and many sputum samples all come back with the same bacteria non typable haemophillus influenzae. It is so hard to kill the bacteria as double doses of doxycycline did not work for me. Im on a macrolide antibiotic which is like a miracle for me no more coughing or phlegm in my chest throat its called azythromycin been on it 7 months and breathing much better now. Dont know where i go from here until my june appointment with lung function. Hope this helps. Karen. Xxx

[GMcC2 in reply to Pwkav1]

Thanks very much for your reply. Are you taking azythromycin continually to prevent an infection (1 or 2 per week)? I’ve heard other people say this is the way to go...

[GMcC2 in reply to Pwkav1]

Well Doxy didn’t work - ended up having trouble breathing. Been given Azithromycin instead. Fingers crossed.

[Pwkav1 in reply to GMcC2]

Hi, hope your feeling much better soon. I take 500mg 3 days a week. Feels like a miracle tablet for now. Felt i was alone in this but obviously not. Good luck with them. KAREN. XXX

[Pwkav1]

Hi, yes I'm on it long term for now 3 a week and you have to have your heart checked out to be able to take this med. Can cause deafness but I'm ok. Few side effects but I'm ok on it. I take pro biotics every day for y tummy as its a strong antibiotic and going good for few months now. Only thing that's worked up until now for me. An xray showed up the HI bug. Will see if this bug is still there i the summer after taking this antibiotic for 9 months. Not sure what next step is but have felt at my best for a few months now. Hope your feeling better very soon. Karen. Xxx

[GMcC2 in reply to Pwkav1]

I hope it’s gone when you have your appointment. Fingers crossed. Thanks very much for the advice.