Haemophilus haemolyticus M21639 genome sequencing project. Haemophilus haemolyticus M21639

Recently, noncommensal H. haemolyticus (Hhae) strains have appeared in clinically derived blood and knee fluid cultures. Hhae strains have traditionally been distinguished from closely related nontypeable H. influenzae (NTHi) strains by their beta hemolysis activity on blood agar. However, not all Hhae strains exhibit this activity. Distinguishing between pathogenic and commensal strains of Hhae and NTHi and documenting the genetic basis of virulence in these strains are crucial steps in developing public health initiatives to combat disease caused by these strains.