Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) is a Gram-negative bacterium that poses a significant health threat, particularly to infants, young children, and immunocompromised individuals. As a prominent company specializing in the development of H. influenzae vaccines and therapies, we are dedicated to advancing efforts in combatting this enduring and continuously adapting pathogen.
Overview of Haemophilus Influenzae Infection
Haemophilus influenzae, commonly known as H. influenzae, is a Gram-negative, non-motile, coccobacillary bacterium that poses a significant threat to human health, particularly in infants and children. This pathogen is responsible for a wide range of localized and invasive infections, including otitis media (middle ear infection), conjunctivitis, sinusitis, epiglottitis, and the potentially life-threatening meningitis.
Despite the availability of antibiotics, H. influenzae infections remain a global concern, with growing reports of antibiotic resistance and the emergence of new, virulent strains. The burden of H. influenzae infections is substantial, with an estimated 700 million cases of throat infections and 1.8 million cases of severe invasive disease occurring worldwide each year.
Fig.1 Host-pathogen interactions of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi). (Duell B. L., et al., 2016)
Vaccine Development for Haemophilus Influenzae Infection
Scientific Basis for Vaccine Development
The development of vaccines against H. influenzae has been a critical endeavor in public health. The primary focus has been on the serotype b (Hib), which was responsible for the majority of severe invasive diseases. The Hib vaccine, introduced in the early 1990s, has significantly reduced the incidence of these diseases in vaccinated populations.
Challenges in Vaccine Development
Despite the success of the Hib vaccine, challenges remain. The vaccine does not provide cross-protection against non-b serotypes of H. influenzae, which can also cause invasive diseases. Additionally, the high cost of the Hib vaccine compared to traditional childhood vaccines has limited its accessibility in developing countries, affecting global vaccination coverage.
Therapeutics Development for Haemophilus Influenzae Infection
Antibiotic Therapeutics
The therapeutics of H. influenzae infections primarily involves antibiotics. However, the emergence of antibiotic resistance, particularly to ampicillin, has complicated therapeutic strategies. Studies have shown varying levels of resistance to different antibiotics, emphasizing the need for ongoing surveillance and development of new therapeutic options.
Empiric and Adjunctive Therapeutics
Empiric therapy often begins with third-generation cephalosporins, with therapeutic adjusted based on culture and sensitivity results. In cases of meningitis, a combination of antibiotics and adjunctive therapeutics like dexamethasone is used to manage complications such as cerebral edema.
Our Services
At our company, we are proud to offer a comprehensive suite of services to support our clients in the development of innovative H. influenzae vaccines and therapies. Our team of seasoned scientists, immunologists, and pharmacologists leverages state-of-the-art technologies and deep domain expertise to accelerate the progress of your projects.
- Mouse Models for Short-term Pulmonary Clearance
- Rat Models for Short-term Pulmonary Clearance
- Rat Models for Long-term Pulmonary Infection
- Customized Animal Models
In the realm of H. influenzae therapy development, our team specializes in the identification and characterization of novel antimicrobial agents, including small molecules, antimicrobial peptides, and biologics targeting virulence factors. We also provide comprehensive services to support the evaluation, optimization, and progression of your therapeutic pipeline. If our services have piqued your interest, we warmly welcome you to reach out to us for further information and to obtain a detailed quotation for the services you require.
Reference
- Duell, Benjamin Luke, Yu‐Ching Su, and Kristian Riesbeck. "Host–pathogen interactions of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae: from commensal to pathogen." FEBS letters 590.21 (2016): 3840-3853.
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only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
