The hpd gene was detected in 57.3% (51/89) NP swabs H. influenzae culture negative from children with pneumonia (NT, n = 45; serotype a, n = 1; b, n = 2; e, n = 2; f, n = 1) and in 51.1% (23/45) among healthy children (NT, n = 16; serotype a, n = 2; b, n = 1; c, n = 1; e, n = 2; f, n = 2). The gene discussed is HPD; the disease is pneumonia.