Invasive Haemophilus influenzae Serotype f Case Reports in Mazovia Province, Poland

Abstract

After successful introduction of anti-Haemophilus influenzae (Hi) serotype b vaccination program in Poland, invasive non-b or nontypeable H. influenzae infections have been reported more frequently alike in other countries all over the world. In this paper, we report 2 cases of H. influenzae serotype f (Hif) meningitis with severe clinical presentations which are rarely seen in previously healthy children.The first case is a 6-year-old girl who was admitted to pediatric ward with signs of meningitis. Laboratory tests confirmed bacteremic meningitis caused by Hif. The girl responded very well to administered treatment and recovered without any further complications. No underlying comorbidities were found. The second patient was a 4-year-old boy who, in course of Hif bacteremic meningitis, developed rapid septicemia and, despite aggressive treatment, died within a few hours of hospitalization. The child's past history was unremarkable.By presenting these cases, we would like to remind clinicians that invasive non-b Hi infections can become fatal not only in the group of the youngest children or children with coexisting comorbidities, as most commonly reported in the worldwide literature. At the same time, we want to emphasize the legitimacy of constant monitoring Hi epidemiology in order to take accurate actions if necessary.

Meningitis and bacteremia caused by Haemophilus influenzae Type e in an immunocompetent child

“…Previous studies [12,13] have shown that Non-type b H. influenzae infection is associated with significant morbidity in the pediatric population. The knowledge of non-type b H. influenzae as an important pathogen in the pediatric population is constantly improving.…”

A Fulminant Case of Haemophilus influenzae Serotype F Meningitis in an Immunocompetent 3-Year-Old Boy

“…Further immunocompromising conditions were not excluded in this case. 9 Infections due to invasive Hif are still rare and affect mainly vulnerable patient groups with usually favorable outcomes. Our case, with the report from Poland, raises the question of the risk for healthy children to die of fulminant diseases due to Hif.…”

“…There is still a huge diversity of typification rates and clinical information between different countries and regions, making precise statements very difficult. [1][2][3][4][5]9 Increasing incidence of ncHi has led to several studies dealing with the development of a vaccine against unencapsulated forms of Hi. 10 Only if there is an objectified increase of invasive Hif infections with high mortality and morbidity rates, there will be efforts of implementing immunoprevention is this case as well.…”