Prior to the introduction of vaccines, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) was the most important bacterial pathogen in early childhood, responsible for the majority of cases of meningitis and epiglottitis and contributing to the burden of cases of bacteremia, septic arthritis, pneumonia, and pericarditis . Beginning in 1992, all provinces and territories routinely immunized infants 2 months of...

Systemic donor infection is regarded as being an absolute contraindication to cadaveric organ donation for transplantation. This is largely due to fear of transmitting pathogenic organisms to the immunosuppressed recipient. However, due to the current shortage of organs available for transplantation, clinicians are faced with the option of using organs from 'non-ideal' donors, such as those pat...

Upper and lower respiratory infections are encountered commonly in the emergency department. Visits resulting from occurrences of respiratory disease account for 10% of all pediatric emergency department visits and 20% of all pediatric hospital admissions. Causes of upper airway infections include croup, epiglottitis, retropharyngeal abscess, cellulitis, pharyngitis, and peritonsillar abscesses...

The upper respiratory system includes the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx with subglottic area of trachea. In the normal circumstances, air enters the respiratory system through nostrils where it is filtered, humidified, and warmed inside the nasal cavity. Conditioned air passes through pharynx, larynx, and trachea and then enters in lower respiratory system. Dysfunction of any part of ...