Prevention of Haemophilus influenzae type b disease: past success and future challenges.
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in children under 5 years of age. In countries where the Hib conjugate vaccine is not routinely used, Hib is a leading cause of childhood pneumonia and meningitis. Routine use of the Hib conjugate vaccines has resulted in a remarkable decline in Hib disease in developed and developing countries. However, Hib conjugate vaccines are not routinely available in most developing countries, many of which have high burdens of Hib disease. This review outlines the pathogenesis and epidemiology of Hib disease, and the various options for prevention.
Chandran
Aruna
A
John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center for American Indian Health, Department of International Health, 621 N. Washington St, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. archandr@jhsph.edu
Watt
James P
JP
Santosham
Mathuram
M
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006192:Haemophilus Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018073:Haemophilus Vaccines; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D013745:Tetanus Toxoid; D014611:Vaccination / Q000266:history / Q000639:trends*; D018074:Vaccines, Conjugate
D018073:Haemophilus Vaccines; C055753:Haemophilus influenza type b polysaccharide vaccine-tetanus toxin conjugate; D013745:Tetanus Toxoid; D018074:Vaccines, Conjugate