What was previously the most common source of acute epiglottitis in children?

The most common source of acute epiglottitis in children was H. influenzae type B. Prior to the widespread use of the Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine, this bacterium was a predominant cause of epiglottitis in the pediatric population. It can lead to severe inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, which is critical because it can obstruct the airway, potentially leading to respiratory distress or failure if not treated promptly.

The introduction of the Hib vaccine has significantly reduced the incidence of epiglottitis caused by this organism, shifting the landscape of infectious causes in children. As a result, while it's important to be aware of the potential for other pathogens to cause this condition, H. influenzae type B remains historically the most notable causative agent prior to vaccination efforts. This highlights the impact of vaccination on public health and disease prevalence.