[Vaccination failure: case report of Haemophilus influenzae b meningitis in a 14-month-old child]

Pathol Biol (Paris). 2005 Mar;53(2):92-6. doi: 10.1016/j.patbio.2004.02.004.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Background: The generalization of the vaccination against H. influenzae b (Hib), according to its integration in the French vaccinal calendar, led to the incidence decrease of the purulent meningitis with Hib in young children, which became a so rare event.

Case report: We described the case of a 14-months-old child showing a bacterial purulent meningitis with Hib, despite of a well driven vaccination.

Discussion: The epidemiology of bacterial meningitis was upset by the generalization of the anti-H. influenzae b vaccination. The use of combined vaccines specially reduced the incidence and the gravity of this pathology. Nevertheless, in spite of the excellent vaccinal coverage, the limited but real persistence of epiglottis or meningitis due to H. influenzae b should keep in mind of the biologists and the clinicians. Indeed, the chronic nasopharyngal carriage, the existence of not vaccinated or not answering people allow to consider the persistent risk of H. influenzae b bacterial meningitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Haemophilus Vaccines / adverse effects*
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b* / immunology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Haemophilus / immunology*
  • Treatment Failure

Substances

  • Haemophilus Vaccines