Haemophilus influenzae is a common pathogen of infants and young children. Some strains possess a polysaccharide capsule and are associated with invasive diseases, such as meningitis, pneumonia and sepsis. There are six capsular serotypes (a-f) of Haemophilus influenzae , of which serotype b (Hib) is by far the most common pathogen for invasive diseases. Although nontypable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is commonly present in the normal flora of the upper respiratory tract, it is less invasive and infrequently involved in opportunistic respiratory tract infections. However, in nations where Hib immunization programs have been established, NTHi is responsible for most invasive Haemophilus influenzae infections and is associated with a high mortality rate. In neonates, NTHi is responsible for most invasive diseases, such as sepsis and meningitis

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