Which organism is primarily associated with epiglottitis before widespread immunization?

Haemophilus influenzae is primarily associated with epiglottitis before the widespread use of the Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) vaccine. This organism was the leading cause of epiglottitis in unvaccinated children. The vaccine has significantly reduced the incidence of infections caused by this pathogen; however, prior to its introduction, epiglottitis was frequently seen due to H. influenzae, leading to severe inflammation of the epiglottis and the potential for airway obstruction.

The characteristic features of epiglottitis caused by H. influenzae include sudden onset of high fever, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and a preference for sitting upright to ease breathing. The rapid progression of symptoms and the specific age group affected - typically children aged 2 to 7 years - contribute to the association of this organism with epiglottitis pre-vaccination.

While other organisms can cause epiglottitis, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and non-typeable strains of H. influenzae, H. influenzae type b has been historically recognized as the most significant pathogen in this context, highlighting its pivotal role prior to the availability of the vaccine.