Invasive Haemophilus influenzae disease: A report of 14 cases one year after the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak

• DOI: 10.5546/aap.2022-02805.eng
• Publication Date: 2023-01-09T19:43:14Z
• Authors: Ximena Juárez; Rebeca Flores Yavi; Romina Balboa; Erika Matteucci; Carmen Burundarena; María F García Ca...; Sandra Miranda; Patricia Dondoglio; Cecilia Echave; Rosana Pereda; Aldo Cancellara
• Keywords: Haemophilus Infections; Incidence; Humans; Infant; COVID-19; Child; Pandemics; Haemophilus influenzae; Disease Outbreaks

Haemophilus influenzae (Hi) causes invasive disease.There are encapsulated strains, such as serotype b (Hib), and non-typeable strains (NTHi).One year after the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, number cases increased.In this report we describe clinical epidemiological characteristics children hospitalized with Hi disease (July 2021-July 2022).There were 14 cases; 12 previously healthy children.Isolations: Hib (n = 6), a 2), NTHi 5); 1 case was not typified.Median age: 8.5 months (IQR: 4-21).Manifestations: meningitis 5), pneumonia cellulitis arthritis 1).Incomplete immunization observed in 9 children.Invasive increased 2.5 times from previous years.These data suggest reemergence due to decline vaccination coverage an increase other non-b-type serotypes.