Is nontypeable H. influenzae infection fatal?
In general, carriers of nontypeable H. influenzae are healthy but occasionally develop acute, localized infections (e.g., otitis media, sinusitis, pneumonia, conjunctivitis). In addition, infection can aggravate underlying lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis. Less frequently, these bacteria can also cause conditions such as septicemia, endocarditis, epiglottitis, septic arthritis and meningitis.
