Haemophilus influenzae

A 3-year-old unvaccinated child from rural Maharashtra presents to the emergency department with acute onset fever, neck stiffness, and altered sensorium. CSF analysis shows pleocytosis (WBC 850/μL, predominantly neutrophils), protein 120 mg/dL, glucose 35 mg/dL (serum glucose 95 mg/dL), and Gram stain reveals pleomorphic Gram-negative coccobacilli. What is the most appropriate immediate next step in management?

A 6-year-old unvaccinated child from rural India presents with acute epiglottitis (stridor, drooling, dysphagia). Blood culture grows a gram-negative coccobacillus requiring X and V factors. Which clinical feature would be MOST likely if the isolate were non-typeable H. influenzae (NTHi) instead of Hib?

A 6-month-old infant with unvaccinated status develops acute bacterial meningitis. CSF shows pleomorphic gram-negative coccobacilli. Which test is the most appropriate next investigation to confirm Haemophilus influenzae and determine serotype?

A 3-year-old child from rural Maharashtra presents with acute epiglottitis—severe sore throat, drooling, and stridor. Blood culture is pending. Which investigation is most specific for rapid diagnosis of Haemophilus influenzae?

A 28-year-old man with community-acquired pneumonia caused by Haemophilus influenzae is being treated as an outpatient. He has no contraindications to oral therapy. What is the drug of choice for oral step-down treatment?