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Haemophilus influenzae type b disease in the Oxford region
G Tudor-Williams1, J Frankland, D Isaacs
1University Department of Paediatrics, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford.
Insights
Systemic Haemophilus influenzae type b disease affects 1 in 600 children before age five, with a 5.0% mortality rate. This prospective study highlights the significant burden of Hib infections in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Systemic Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infections pose a significant health risk to young children.
- Previous data on the incidence and mortality of Hib disease in the Oxford region were limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence, mortality, and morbidity of systemic Haemophilus influenzae type b disease in children under five years of age.
- To estimate the predicted annual burden of Hib disease and meningitis in the United Kingdom.
Main Methods:
- Prospective survey of children in the Oxford region over three and a half years.
- Case identification and data collection on incidence, mortality, and morbidity.
- Extrapolation of findings to the UK population based on live birth rates.
Main Results:
- Identified 200 cases of systemic Hib disease in children under five.
- Annual incidence of systemic Hib disease was 33.4 per 100,000 children under five.
- Cumulative incidence was 1 in 600 children before their fifth birthday, with a 5.0% mortality rate.
- Risk of Hib meningitis was 1 in 850, with 5.6% mortality and significant long-term morbidity in survivors.
Conclusions:
- Haemophilus influenzae type b disease represents a substantial public health concern in young children.
- Projected UK-wide annual cases exceed 1300 for systemic disease and 900 for meningitis, with an estimated 65 deaths.
- Findings underscore the need for effective prevention and management strategies for Hib infections.
Abstract:
A prospective survey of children in the Oxford region identified 200 cases of systemic Haemophilus influenzae type b disease in the first three and a half years of the study. The annual incidence in children less than 5 years of age was 33.4/100,000. This represents a cumulative incidence of one systemic infection in 600 children before their 5th birthday. The mortality was 5.0%. The risk of H influenzae type b meningitis was one in 850 with a mortality of 5.6%, and substantial morbidity among survivors. From the total live birth rate, about 1300 cases of systemic H influenzae type b disease, over 900 cases of H influenzae type b meningitis, and 65 deaths would be predicted annually in children in the United Kingdom.