Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Assessing Respiratory Immune Responses to Haemophilus Influenzae
06:32

Assessing Respiratory Immune Responses to Haemophilus Influenzae

Published on: June 29, 2021

Invasive Haemophilus influenzae Type B disease in five young children--Minnesota, 2008

    MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
    |January 30, 2009
    PubMed

    Insights

    Five invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) cases in young children, including one death, occurred in Minnesota in 2008. This outbreak highlights the critical need for completing the primary Hib immunization series due to vaccine shortages.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
    • Vaccinology
    • Public Health Surveillance

    Background:

    • Invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease poses a significant risk to young children.
    • A nationwide recall and shortage of Hib vaccines occurred in late 2007.
    • This led to reduced vaccine availability and altered immunization recommendations.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To report and analyze an increase in invasive Hib disease cases among children under 5 years old in Minnesota during 2008.
    • To investigate the potential impact of vaccine shortages and recall on disease incidence.
    • To emphasize the importance of completing the primary Hib immunization series.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective case review of invasive Hib disease reported to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).
    • Analysis of vaccination status for affected children.
    • Comparison of 2008 Hib case numbers with historical data.
    • Review of vaccine supply and public health recommendations during the shortage period.

    Main Results:

    • Five cases of invasive Hib disease were reported in children under 5 years old in Minnesota in 2008, the highest number since 1992.
    • Only one of the five children had completed the primary Hib immunization series; three had received no Hib vaccine doses.
    • Hib primary series coverage in Minnesota was lower in 2008 compared to previous years and other routine childhood vaccines.
    • The increase in cases was associated with a Hib vaccine recall and shortage.

    Conclusions:

    • The increase in invasive Hib disease cases in Minnesota underscores the critical importance of completing the primary Hib immunization series.
    • Vaccine shortages and recalls can have serious public health consequences, leading to decreased vaccination coverage and increased disease incidence.
    • Continued surveillance and investigation are necessary to understand factors contributing to such outbreaks and to ensure adequate vaccine supply and uptake.

    More Related Videos

    Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria11:32

    Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

    Published on: February 23, 2014

    Using Bioluminescent Imaging to Investigate Synergism Between Streptococcus pneumoniae and Influenza A Virus in Infant Mice10:47

    Using Bioluminescent Imaging to Investigate Synergism Between Streptococcus pneumoniae and Influenza A Virus in Infant Mice

    Published on: April 14, 2011

    Related Concept Videos

    Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

    Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

    Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
    Bacterial Meningitis01:24

    Bacterial Meningitis

    Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
    Influenza01:27

    Influenza

    Influenza is an acute, highly communicable viral disease that affects the respiratory tract and is responsible for seasonal epidemics worldwide. Influenza A is the most prevalent type associated with widespread outbreaks and is subtyped based on two surface glycoproteins: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N), as in H1N1. These glycoproteins are essential for viral infectivity, transmission, and immune recognition. Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets and contaminated...
    Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

    Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

    Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
    Viral Meningitis01:18

    Viral Meningitis

    Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
    Streptococcal Pharyngitis01:27

    Streptococcal Pharyngitis

    Streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as “strep throat,” is an acute infection of the oropharyngeal tissues caused by the Gram‑positive Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking.Mechanisms of Host Entry and Immune EvasionUpon entering the host, S. pyogenes adheres to the mucosal epithelial cells of the pharynx via surface proteins, notably lipoteichoic acid and the antiphagocytic...