What is the most common infectious cause of acute epiglottitis in children?

Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) is recognized as the most common infectious cause of acute epiglottitis in children. This bacterium was historically the leading cause of epiglottitis before the introduction of the Hib vaccine. The disease is characterized by rapid onset of sore throat, fever, and difficulty breathing, often requiring urgent medical intervention.

Prior to widespread vaccination, the incidence of epiglottitis due to Hib was significant in young children, primarily those under age five. The vaccine has dramatically reduced the incidence of epiglottitis caused by this organism, but if a case of epiglottitis does occur, Hib remains the pathogen most frequently identified in unvaccinated children or those not fully vaccinated.

While other organisms like Streptococcus pneumoniae or Staphylococcus aureus can cause respiratory infections, they are not commonly associated with acute epiglottitis in the pediatric population. Escherichia coli, primarily known for causing gastrointestinal and urinary tract infections, is not implicated in cases of epiglottitis. Understanding the historical importance of Hib in pediatric infections highlights the significance of vaccination and its impact on infectious disease prevalence in children.