What type of disease does Hib lead primarily to?

Hib, which stands for Haemophilus influenzae type b, is a type of bacteria that can cause severe illnesses in children, particularly before the widespread use of the Hib vaccine. The two most serious diseases associated with Hib are bacterial meningitis and pneumonia. Bacterial meningitis occurs when bacteria infects the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, leading to inflammation and potential neurological damage. On the other hand, pneumonia caused by Hib can lead to serious respiratory issues, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children. The introduction of the Hib vaccine significantly reduced the incidence of these diseases, emphasizing the importance of vaccination in preventing such severe health outcomes.

While other options mention various types of infections and conditions, they do not relate to Hib. Viral infections of the liver refer to hepatitis, which is unrelated to Hib. Skin infections and allergies do not have a direct correlation to Hib. Similarly, respiratory viral infections are not associated with this specific bacterium, as Hib is a bacterial pathogen responsible for severe bacterial infections rather than viral ones. Therefore, the focus on bacterial meningitis and pneumonia accurately reflects the primary diseases caused by Hib.