Epidemiology of Haemophilus influenzae serotype a, North American Arctic, 2000-2005

Emerg Infect Dis. 2008 Jan;14(1):48-55. doi: 10.3201/eid1401.070822.

Abstract

Before the introduction of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccines, rates of invasive H. influenzae disease among indigenous people of the North American Arctic were among the highest in the world. Routine vaccination reduced rates to low levels; however, serotype replacement with non-type b strains may result in a reemergence of invasive disease in children. We reviewed population-based data on invasive H. influenzae in Alaska and northern Canada from 2000-2005; 138 cases were reported. Among 88 typeable isolates, 42 (48%) were H. influenzae type a (Hia); 35 (83%) occurred in indigenous peoples. Among Hia patients, median age was 1.1 years; 62% were male; 1 adult died. Common clinical manifestations included meningitis, pneumonia, and septic arthritis. Overall annual incidence was 0.9 cases per 100,000 population. Incidence among indigenous children <2 years of age in Alaska and northern Canada was 21 and 102, respectively. Serotype a is now the most common H. influenzae serotype in the North American Arctic; the highest rates are among indigenous children.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Alaska / epidemiology
  • Arctic Regions / epidemiology
  • Canada / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Haemophilus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Haemophilus influenzae / classification*
  • Haemophilus influenzae / pathogenicity
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant
  • Inuit / statistics & numerical data
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Population Surveillance
  • Serotyping