Haemophilus parainfluenzae

Haemophilus parainfluenzae
Scientific classification
Domain:	Bacteria
Phylum:	Pseudomonadota
Class:	Gammaproteobacteria
Order:	Pasteurellales
Family:	Pasteurellaceae
Genus:	Haemophilus
Species:	H. parainfluenzae
Binomial name
Haemophilus parainfluenzae Rivers 1922 (Approved Lists 1980)

Haemophilus parainfluenzae is a species of Haemophilus.

It is one of the HACEK organisms. 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. 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.

External links

• Haemophilus parainfluenzae in the NCBI Taxonomy Browser
• Type strain of Haemophilus parainfluenzae at BacDive - the Bacterial Diversity Metadatabase