Sputum: Haemophilus influenzae – Shipped February 2015
HISTORY
A simulated sputum specimen collected from a 67 year old male patient, smoker, was sent to category A and B laboratories.
Participants were expected to isolate and report Haemophilus influenzae. It was also expected the laboratories would perform a β-lactamase test on the isolate.
MAIN EDUCATIONAL POINTS from M144-2
- H. influenzae is the most common bacterial cause of exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
- A positive β-lactamase test reliably indicates ampicillin/amoxicillin resistance in H. influenzae and further testing of sputum isolates is generally not required.
