Abstract
Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis has been reported predominantly among infants who have not completed the primary immunization series, whereas infection by capsular f has been reported mostly in patients with significant underlying diseases. The present study analyses H. influenzae type b & f infection among 25 unvaccinated patients with respiratory tract infections and symptoms of meningitis by PCR. 5/7 isolates from CSF sample were capsular type b; whereas capsular type f was detected in 2/10 and 5/8 isolates from throat swab and sputum samples, respectively. Rest 13 strains were negative for both the capsular types. To conclude, in India where H. influenzae type b conjugate vaccine is not included in national immunization program, individuals with respiratory tract infections and meningitis are at a greater risk of developing infection with H. influenzae type b strains along with other capsular types and non-capsular types.
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Sahoo, S., Srivastava, S. & Ayyagari, A. Prevalence of H. influenzae type b & f among unvaccinated patients with respiratory tract infection and meningitis. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 24, 1977–1979 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-008-9689-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-008-9689-3