Which bacteria is most often associated with acute epiglottitis?

Acute epiglottitis is most often associated with Haemophilus influenzae type B (HiB), particularly in unvaccinated children. This bacterium is a leading cause of epiglottitis due to its ability to invade and cause inflammation of the epiglottis, leading to potentially severe airway obstruction. The introduction of the HiB vaccine has significantly decreased the incidence of epiglottitis caused by this organism, but it remains the most recognized pathogen in those cases where the vaccine is not administered.

In addition to HiB, other bacteria can cause epiglottitis; however, they are not as commonly linked. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Neisseria meningitidis can lead to other infections but do not have the same strong association with acute epiglottitis. The historical prevalence of HiB in cases of epiglottitis underscores its importance in pediatric medicine and highlights the effectiveness of vaccination programs in preventing such infections.