title: Introduction of Haemophilus influenzae type B conjugate vaccine into routine immunization in Ghana and its impact on bacterial meningitis in children younger than five years.
abstract: This report shows the impact of a pentavalent vaccine that includes Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine on bacterial meningitis in children younger than 5 years in Ghana. A review of the first 3 years of a pediatric bacterial meningitis surveillance program, started in August 2001 in Accra, Ghana, was undertaken. There was a significant reduction, P = 0.042 and 0.017, in percentage of purulent meningitis in children younger than 1 year, comparing the first year when the vaccine was introduced, to the second and third years, respectively.
authors.affiliation: Department of Child Health, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana. lornarenner@africaonline.com.gh
authors.forename: Lorna Awo
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Renner
authors.forename: Mercy J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Newman
authors.forename: Lawson
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ahadzie
authors.forename: Kwadwo Odei
authors.initials: KO
authors.lastname: Antwi-Agyei
authors.forename: Messeret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Eshetu
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D005869:Ghana / Q000453:epidemiology; D018073:Haemophilus Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000276:immunology; D019741:Haemophilus influenzae type b / Q000276:immunology* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D016920:Meningitis, Bacterial / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008583:Meningitis, Haemophilus / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D009345:Neisseria meningitidis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013296:Streptococcus pneumoniae / Q000302:isolation & purification; D018074:Vaccines, Conjugate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D018073:Haemophilus Vaccines; D018074:Vaccines, Conjugate