Haemophilus influenzae type b disease in Auckland children 1981-87.
Haemophilus influenzae type b invasive disease was reviewed in the Auckland paediatric population. A total of 205 episodes were confirmed by sterile cavity culture in 203 patients under 15 years of age over a seven year period. The incidence of invasive disease was 14/100,000/year in those under 15 years and 41/100,000/year in under 5 year olds. The age range was from 1 month to 11 years, with 91% under 5 years and 64% under 2 years. Most cases were due to meningitis (63%). Other diseases included epiglottitis, pneumonia, cellulitis, arthritis, and occult bacteraemia. There was only one fatality. Beta lactamase production was found in 9% of meningeal isolates. Recently a new conjugated haemophilus vaccine has been licensed in the United States for use in children 18 months and older. Consideration should be given to introducing this vaccine in New Zealand.
Voss
L
L
Princess Mary Hospital, Auckland.
Lennon
D
D
Gillies
M
M
D000367:Age Factors; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial; D004826:Epiglottitis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006192:Haemophilus Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006193:Haemophilus influenzae / Q000145:classification / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008583:Meningitis, Haemophilus / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D009520:New Zealand; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
D002511:Cephalosporins