Haemophilus parainfluenzae in the vagina

Isolated from the human vagina, and associated with human infections (lung, ear, eye, genital tract and others). Pathogen or commensal.

Fastidious (hard to grow). HACEK organism that can cause heart inflammation and infection.

Has been found as a sexually transmitted pathogen in men who have sex with men​1​.

Can produce acid from mannose. Not favoured by temperatures over 35C.

  • Study and case reports​2​
  • Antibiotic susceptibility​3​
  • Builds biofilms​4–7​

References

  1. 1.
    Hsu M-S, Wu M-Y, Lin T-H, Liao C-H. Haemophilus parainfluenzae urethritis among homosexual men. Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection. Published online August 2015:450-452. doi:10.1016/j.jmii.2012.11.007
  2. 2.
    Oill PA. Adult Bacteremic Haemophilus parainfluenzae Infections. Arch Intern Med. Published online September 1, 1979:985. doi:10.1001/archinte.1979.03630460025011
  3. 3.
    Mayo JB, McCarthy LR. Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Haemophilus parainfluenzae. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. Published online May 1, 1977:844-847. doi:10.1128/aac.11.5.844
  4. 4.
    Pang B, Swords WE. Haemophilus parainfluenzae Strain ATCC 33392 Forms Biofilms In Vitro and during Experimental Otitis Media Infections. Payne SM, ed. Infect Immun. Published online July 3, 2017. doi:10.1128/iai.01070-16
  5. 5.
    Kosikowska U, Korona-Głowniak I, Niedzielski A, Malm A. Nasopharyngeal and Adenoid Colonization by Haemophilus influenzae and Haemophilus parainfluenzae in Children Undergoing Adenoidectomy and the Ability of Bacterial Isolates to Biofilm Production. Medicine. Published online May 2015:e799. doi:10.1097/md.0000000000000799
  6. 6.
    Kosikowska U, Rybojad P, Stępień–Pyśniak D, Żbikowska A, Malm A. Changes in the prevalence and biofilm formation of Haemophilus influenzae and Haemophilus parainfluenzae from the respiratory microbiota of patients with sarcoidosis. BMC Infect Dis. Published online August 26, 2016. doi:10.1186/s12879-016-1793-7
  7. 7.
    Kosikowska U, Andrzejczuk S, Plech T, Malm A. Inhibitory effect of 1,2,4-triazole-ciprofloxacin hybrids on Haemophilus parainfluenzae and Haemophilus influenzae biofilm formation in vitro under stationary conditions. Research in Microbiology. Published online October 2016:647-654. doi:10.1016/j.resmic.2016.05.009
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Jessica Lloyd

Jessica is a degree-qualified naturopath (BHSc) specialising in vulvovaginal health and disease, based in Melbourne, Australia.

Jessica is the owner and lead naturopath of My Vagina, and is a member of the:

  • International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD)
  • International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH)
  • National Vulvodynia Association (NVA) Australia
  • Australian and New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society (ANZVS)
  • Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS)

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