Paediatric infections mnemonic

Bacterial meningitis organisms beyond the neonatal period

The mnemonic

SNH

What each word stands for

  • SStreptococcus pneumoniae
  • NNeisseria meningitidis
  • HHaemophilus influenzae type b

Why it matters clinically

Directs empirical therapy for bacterial meningitis in infants and children.

Where it stops being reliable

Vaccination has changed local prevalence of Hib and pneumococcus.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Paediatric infections mnemonic?

SNH. It helps you recall: Bacterial meningitis organisms beyond the neonatal period.

What does "S" stand for?

Streptococcus pneumoniae

What does "N" stand for?

Neisseria meningitidis

What does "H" stand for?

Haemophilus influenzae type b

What are all the parts of the SNH mnemonic?

S: Streptococcus pneumoniae; N: Neisseria meningitidis; H: Haemophilus influenzae type b.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Paediatric infections in Pediatrics.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Vaccination has changed local prevalence of Hib and pneumococcus.

How is this useful clinically?

Directs empirical therapy for bacterial meningitis in infants and children.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Pediatrics question about Paediatric infections.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.