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Burden of Haemophilus influenzae type b disease in Pakistani children

A K M Zaidi1, H Khan, A R Sherali

  • 1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Ago Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. Anita.zaidi@aku.edu

Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal = La Revue De Sante De La Mediterranee Orientale = Al-Majallah Al-Sihhiyah Li-Sharq Al-Mutawassit
|August 31, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) meningitis is a significant concern in Pakistani children. This study found a notable incidence of Hib meningitis, supporting its inclusion in routine childhood immunizations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Limited data exists on the burden of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) meningitis in children in Pakistan.
  • Acute bacterial meningitis poses a significant health risk to young children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To estimate the incidence of Hib meningitis in children under 5 years old in Pakistan.
  • To provide evidence for the inclusion of Hib vaccination in Pakistan's national immunization program.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective surveillance was conducted across 8 sentinel sites in Karachi and Hyderabad starting January 2004.
  • Lumbar punctures were performed on 1481 children under 5 years old presenting with suspected acute bacterial meningitis.
  • Specimens were analyzed to detect the presence of Hib.

Main Results:

  • Out of 1481 children, 237 (16.0%) met criteria for probable bacterial meningitis.
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) was identified in 45 (19.0%) of these probable cases.
  • The minimum incidence of Hib meningitis was 7.6 per 100,000 children under 5 and 38.1 per 100,000 infants under 1 year in Hyderabad.

Conclusions:

  • The study demonstrates a substantial burden of Hib meningitis in young Pakistani children.
  • Hib vaccination is strongly recommended for inclusion in Pakistan's Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI).
  • Implementing Hib vaccination can significantly reduce childhood meningitis cases and mortality in the region.

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