Of the several species of Haemophilus that are known, Haemophilus influenzae is the most prevalent pathogen. Several distinct capsular serotypes have been defined, but type b H influenzae is responsible for most clinical disease. H influenzae is a respiratory pathogen that colonizes the oropharynx and causes bronchitis, pneumonia, or disseminated infection when local or systemic host defense factors are compromised. (more…)

Streptococcus pneumoniae strains, commonly called pneumococci, differ from other streptococci in that they contain complex polysaccharide capsules that consitute the major virulence determinant in the species. Pneumococci are respiratory pathogens that colonize upper airways and cause bronchitis or pneumonia after aspiration of respiratory secretions. (more…)

While our primary concern is the impact that the innate immune system has on allergic disease, it is essential to recognize that allergic disease also impacts on the function- ing of the innate immune system. In part this is through treatment, since immunosuppressive therapies inevitably contribute to impairment of immunity at the levels of the innate and adaptive systems. (more…)