Haemophilus influenzae is a Gram-negative coccobacillus first isolated in 1892 during an influenza outbreak. It is classified within the phylum Proteobacteria and can cause several diseases in humans like meningitis, pneumonia, epiglottitis and cellulitis. H. influenzae possesses several virulence factors like a capsule, lipopolysaccharides and IgA1 protease that help it evade the immune system and cause disease. Diagnosis involves culture and identification of the bacteria from clinical specimens as well as antigen and molecular detection techniques. Vaccination against H. influenzae type b is available to prevent disease.