The first reported case of possible Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine failure from Kuwait and literature-review

J Infect Public Health. 2014 Mar-Apr;7(2):99-105. doi: 10.1016/j.jiph.2013.07.009. Epub 2013 Nov 9.

Abstract

A 17-month-old vaccinated Kuwaiti boy presented with meningitis. The Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) capsular antigen was detected in his blood, CSF and urine. The microorganism failed to grow in culture. This case represents the first report of possible Hib vaccine failure from Kuwait. This report examines the possible reasons for this failure by reviewing the literature and emphasizes the need to broaden the definition of vaccine failure with the aim of optimizing the timing of the vaccine booster dose for prematurely born children and establishing continuous surveillance for Hib vaccine failure.

Keywords: Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis; Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine failure.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Capsules / immunology*
  • Blood / microbiology
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid / microbiology
  • Haemophilus Infections / diagnosis*
  • Haemophilus Infections / microbiology
  • Haemophilus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Haemophilus Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Haemophilus Vaccines / immunology*
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Kuwait
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / diagnosis*
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / microbiology
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / prevention & control*
  • Treatment Failure
  • Urine / microbiology

Substances

  • Haemophilus Vaccines
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b polysaccharide vaccine