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Use of an Influenza Antigen Microarray to Measure the Breadth of Serum Antibodies Across Virus Subtypes
08:52

Use of an Influenza Antigen Microarray to Measure the Breadth of Serum Antibodies Across Virus Subtypes

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[Circulating Haemophilus influenzae in Cuba. Characterization of strains isolated from meningitis]

I Tamargo Martínez1, G Toraño Peraza, K Fuentes Gort

  • 1tamargo@ipk.sld.cu

Revista Cubana De Medicina Tropical
|July 11, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) causes severe infections in young children, frequently leading to bacterial meningoencephalitis. This study highlights high antibiotic resistance in Cuban Hib strains, posing treatment challenges.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) is a significant cause of systemic infections and bacterial meningoencephalitis in children under five.
  • Hib has been the predominant pathogen identified in meningoencephalitis cases since 1993.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize Haemophilus influenzae type B strains isolated in Cuba between 1993 and 1995.
  • To determine the serotype and biotype distribution of these strains.
  • To assess the antibiotic resistance patterns of isolated Hib strains.

Main Methods:

  • Bacterial strains were isolated from meningoencephalitis cases in Cuba.
  • Serotyping and biotyping were performed at the National Reference Laboratory,
  • Pedro Kourí
  • Tropical Medicine Institute.
  • Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted for ampicillin, chloramphenicol, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, and tetracycline.

Main Results:

  • 97% of isolated strains were serotype B, with smaller proportions of serotype A (0.6%) and untyped strains (2.4%).
  • Serotype B strains were predominantly biotype I (76%) and biotype II (21%).
  • High resistance rates were observed: ampicillin (40%), chloramphenicol (43.3%), sulfamethoxazole (36%), trimethoprim (37.3%), and tetracycline (31%).

Conclusions:

  • Hib serotype B was the primary cause of bacterial meningoencephalitis in Cuba during 1993-1995.
  • Significant antibiotic resistance among these strains necessitates careful treatment strategies.
  • Ongoing surveillance of Hib epidemiology and resistance is crucial for public health interventions.

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