Management of recurrent invasive Haemophilus influenzae infection.
A 4 1/2-month-old infant had three separate episodes of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b infection and did not produce antibody to the capsular polysaccharide of H influenzae b. Immunologic evaluation disclosed normal immunoglobulin and complement concentrations and normal T-cell number and function. In view of the persistent presence of type-specific capsular polysaccharide of H influenzae b (polyribophosphate [PRP]) in blood serum without any detectable anti-PRP antibody for 30 days following H influenzae b meningitis, monthly treatment with immune human serum globulin was undertaken until spontaneous production of anti-PRP antibody occurred. The patient's 4-year-old sibling was found to be a nasopharyngeal carrier and may have been a source for reinfection. A search for possible family carriers should be conducted in evaluating the conditions of patients with recurrent invasive H influenzae b infection. In addition, temporary treatment with immune human serum globulin should be considered.
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D002353:Carrier State; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006192:Haemophilus Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy* / Q000635:transmission; D006193:Haemophilus influenzae; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis; D007223:Infant; D010428:Pentosephosphates / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D011135:Polysaccharides, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D012008:Recurrence
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D010428:Pentosephosphates; D011135:Polysaccharides, Bacterial; C003191:polyribose phosphate