Haemophilus parainfluenzae

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| taxon = Haemophilus parainfluenzae

| authority = Rivers 1922 (Approved Lists 1980){{cite journal |title=Species: Haemophilus parainfluenzae |journal=lpsn.dsmz.de |url=https://lpsn.dsmz.de/species/haemophilus-parainfluenzae |language=en}}

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Haemophilus parainfluenzae is a species of Haemophilus.

It is one of the HACEK organisms.{{EMedicine|article|218158|HACEK Group Infections}}

H. parainfluenzae is an opportunistic pathogen that has been associated with endocarditis, bronchitis, otitis, conjunctivitis, pneumonia, abscesses and genital tract infections.

Natural genetic transformation

H. parainfluenzae biotypes I and II are capable of natural genetic transformation.{{cite journal |vauthors=Gromkova RC, Mottalini TC, Dove MG |title=Genetic transformation in Haemophilus parainfluenzae clinical isolates |journal=Curr. Microbiol. |volume=37 |issue=2 |pages=123–6 |year=1998 |pmid=9662612 }} Natural genetic transformation is a bacterial adaptation for DNA transfer. In order for a bacterium to bind, take up and recombine exogenous DNA into its genome it must enter a special physiological state termed natural competence. In H. parainfluenzae, competence is induced during the late stationary phase of growth. Natural DNA transformation may play a major role in the exchange of genetic information among H. parainfluenzae isolates.

Treatment

Acute H. parainfluenzae infections must be treated with antibiotics. Beta-lactam agents such as amoxicillin and ampicillin are antibiotics that are effective against H. parainfluenzae. The Duration of Antibiotic Therapy depends on the severity of the infection. In 40% of infective endocarditis cases caused by H. parainfluenzae, the best treatment is a valve replacement.[https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/laboratory-biosafety-biosecurity/pathogen-safety-data-sheets-risk-assessment/haemophilus-parainfluenzae.html Canada, P. H. A. of. (2020, December 21). Government of Canada. Canada.ca]

References

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