Reemergence of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b disease in a well-vaccinated population in remote Alaska

J Infect Dis. 1999 Jan;179(1):101-6. doi: 10.1086/314569.

Abstract

Before vaccination, Alaska Natives experienced very high rates of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease and carriage. Vaccination with Hib conjugate vaccine PRP-OMP (polyribosylribitol phosphate Neisseria meningitidis outer membrane protein) began in 1991 and resulted in a sharp decline in cases. In 1996, after switching to a different Hib conjugate vaccine, DTP-HbOC (which combines diphtheria-tetanus-whole cell pertussis vaccines with HbOC [Hib oligosaccharide CRM197]), cases of invasive Hib disease increased, suggesting ongoing Hib transmission despite widespread vaccination. To determine the prevalence of and risk factors for carriage, a cross-sectional study of oropharyngeal Hib carriage was conducted among Alaska Native children aged 1-5 years in remote southwestern Alaska. Of 496 children with swabs taken, 46 (9.3%) were colonized with Hib. Carriage rates varied by village from 2.2% to 13.2% and by age from 6.1% in 1-year-olds to 14.7% in 5-year-olds. Crowding was associated with Hib carriage. Widespread vaccination with PRP-OMP Hib conjugate vaccine did not eliminate carriage in this population of Alaska Natives, and ongoing carriage contributed to disease resurgence.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Alaska / epidemiology
  • Carrier State / epidemiology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Haemophilus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Haemophilus Infections / prevention & control
  • Haemophilus Infections / transmission
  • Haemophilus Vaccines / adverse effects*
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b*
  • Humans
  • Indians, North American
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Oropharynx / microbiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Rural Population

Substances

  • Haemophilus Vaccines