[Characterization of Haemophilus influenzae strains using sugar fermentation]. / Caracterización de cepas de Haemophilus influenzae mediante fermentación de azúcares.

ABSTRACT

64 Haemophilus influenzae strains circulating in Havana City during a year were characterized by the carbohydrate fermentation method for the first time in Cuba. The fermentative pattern D was the most frequently found. Patterns D and G together were 72% of the total of strains studied. The combination of the carbohydrate fermentation with serotyping and biotyping allowed a greater differentiation of strains (14 groups). Patterns A, B, C and F appeared in children over 6 months of age, and pattern G in the group from 6 to 18. Patterns D and G predominated in the bacterial meningoencephalitis. A higher heterogeneity was observed among the strains isolated from acute respiratory infections. Some of the advantages of the Haemophilus influenzae strains subtyping method are stressed, such as simplicity, easiness to be applied and interpreted, and the fact that it is not necessary a qualified personnel or a specialized laboratory for its implementation.