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Prospective surveillance of children with invasive Haemophilus influenzae disease in Taiwan
Abstract:
During the 16 months from January 1, 1996 through April 30, 1997, forty-three cases of invasive Haemophilus influenzae disease were identified in residents younger than 14 years of age in Taiwan. H. influenzae serotyping was performed on all isolated specimens. There were 33 (76.7%) cases of type b disease; three (7.0%), non-type b, and seven (16.3%), nontypeable cases. Among these H. influenzae type b cases, there were 18 (54.5%) male patients and 15 (45.5%) female patients. With regard to age-distribution, nine (27.3%) patients were aged 2 to 5 years; nine (27.3%), between 1 to 2 years; fifteen (45.5%), younger than 1; and none were younger than 3 months old. Demographical study indicated that 13 patients (39.4%) located in northern Taiwan; 5 (15.2%), central Taiwan; 12 (36.4%), southern Taiwan; 3 (9.0%) from eastern Taiwan. Among the 33 H. influenzae type b cases, twenty-five (75.8%) patients had meningitis and 8 patients had other disease entities, i.e. pneumonia in 4 patients, bacteremia in 3, and cellulitis in 1. In terms of prognosis, three (9.1%) patients died, all of whom having meningitis or sepsis; 7 (21.2%) developed hydrocephalus; 2 (6.1%) had seizure disorder without hydrocephalus and 21 (63.6%) patients recovered completely without sequelae.
Insights
Invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b disease predominantly affected children under 14 in Taiwan, with meningitis being the most common severe outcome. Most survivors recovered fully, but some experienced serious complications like hydrocephalus.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Invasive Haemophilus influenzae disease poses a significant threat to young children globally.
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) was a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children before widespread vaccination.
- Understanding the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of Hib disease is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiology and clinical features of invasive Haemophilus influenzae disease in children in Taiwan.
- To identify the serotypes of H. influenzae causing invasive disease.
- To analyze the outcomes and prognosis of affected children.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study was conducted over 16 months (January 1996 - April 1997).
- Invasive H. influenzae isolates from patients younger than 14 years were serotyped.
- Clinical data, including demographics, disease presentation, and outcomes, were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Forty-three cases of invasive H. influenzae disease were identified, with 33 (76.7%) being type b.
- The majority of H. influenzae type b cases (45.5%) occurred in children younger than 1 year.
- Meningitis was the most frequent complication (75.8%) among H. influenzae type b cases, with a mortality rate of 9.1% and significant sequelae in survivors.
Conclusions:
- Haemophilus influenzae type b was the predominant cause of invasive disease in children in Taiwan during the study period.
- Young infants and children under 5 years were most vulnerable to severe H. influenzae type b infections, particularly meningitis.
- While a significant proportion of patients experienced severe outcomes, complete recovery was also common, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.