Can the birth canal transmit Haemophilus influenzae?
Mar 13, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the birth canal can transmit Haemophilus influenzae. Haemophilus influenzae primarily exists in various human secretions, including vaginal secretions. When a pregnant woman is infected with Haemophilus influenzae, her vaginal secretions may contain this bacterium. Since the fetus has not yet developed a fully functional immune system before birth, it may become infected when passing through the birth canal of an infected mother.
Under normal circumstances, the birth canal can transmit Haemophilus influenzae. The specific analysis is as follows:
Haemophilus influenzae mainly exists in various bodily secretions of humans, including vaginal secretions. When a pregnant woman is infected with Haemophilus influenzae, her vaginal secretions may contain this bacterium. Since the fetus has not yet developed a fully functional immune system before birth, it may come into contact with these secretions containing Haemophilus influenzae while passing through the birth canal, thus leading to infection.
Haemophilus influenzae possesses strong transmissibility and infectivity. Under favorable conditions, it can spread from person to person through multiple routes such as direct contact and airborne droplets. Within the specific environment of the birth canal, direct contact between the fetus and the mother facilitates the transmission of Haemophilus influenzae. Moreover, if the mother experiences birth canal trauma or the fetus has skin injuries during delivery, the risk of Haemophilus influenzae infection will also increase.
Pregnant women should maintain cleanliness and hygiene of the external genital area, avoid using unclean sanitary products, and reduce the risk of infection.
