Chapter 20, Problem 8CT

Summary Introduction

To answer:

How the proper application of Koch’s postulates could have prevented the mistake of naming “Haemophilus influenzae” just because the researchers isolated it from flu patients.

Introduction:

Haemophilus influenzae is a facultatively anaerobic Gram-negative bacterium that causes a wide range of infections. They may be mild like ear infections or serious like bloodstream infections. They usually live in the host without causing any infection but causes trouble when other factors like reduced immunity and viral infection which creates an opportunity for the pathogen. The bacteria was mistaken to be the cause of influenza (flu).

Influenza or flu is caused by influenza virus. It is characterized by body pain, high fever, cough, running nose and muscle pain. The viruses spread through the air.