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Hemophilus influenzae type b meningitis: pediatric overview
S Catania1, M P Ronchetti, N Catania
1Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, La Sapienza, University of Rome.
Rivista Europea Per Le Scienze Mediche E Farmacologiche = European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences = Revue Europeenne Pour Les Sciences Medicales Et Pharmacologiques
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) meningitis is a serious childhood illness, accounting for over 22% of bacterial meningitis cases. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, and vaccination is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Bacterial meningitis poses a significant threat to child health.
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a primary causative agent of meningitis in children.
- Understanding the incidence and clinical features of Hib meningitis is vital for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and clinical therapeutic aspects of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) meningitis in children.
- To analyze the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of Hib meningitis.
- To evaluate the need for Hib conjugate vaccination in Italy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of children diagnosed with acute purulent meningitis between January 1982 and December 1994.
- Analysis of 89 cases, with specific focus on 20 cases of Hib meningitis.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture, latex agglutination tests for bacterial antigens, and urine antigen detection were employed.
Main Results:
- Hib meningitis accounted for 22.47% of all bacterial meningitis cases (20/89).
- Among children under 5 years, Hib was the most frequent pathogen (34.47%, 20/58).
- Complications occurred in 20% of cases, and sequelae in 10%; no deaths were reported.
Conclusions:
- Hib meningitis is a severe condition in children, particularly those under 5 years.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy are essential.
- The study supports the justification for widespread administration of conjugate vaccines against Hib in Italy.