Low genetic diversity of Haemophilus influenzae type b compared to nonencapsulated H. influenzae in a population in which H. influenzae is highly endemic

Infect Immun. 1998 Jul;66(7):3403-9. doi: 10.1128/IAI.66.7.3403-3409.1998.

Abstract

Immunization with Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate polysaccharide vaccines has dramatically reduced Hib disease worldwide. As in other populations, nasopharyngeal carriage of Hib declined markedly in Aboriginal infants following vaccination, although carriage has not been entirely eliminated. In this study, we describe the genetic characteristics and the carriage dynamics of longitudinal isolates of Hib, characterized by using several typing methods. In addition, carriage rates of nonencapsulated H. influenzae (NCHi) are high, and concurrent colonization with Hib and NCHi is common; we also observed NCHi isolates which were genetically similar to Hib. There is a continuing need to promote Hib immunization and monitor H. influenzae carriage in populations in which the organism is highly endemic, not least because of the possibility of genetic exchange between Hib and NCHi strains in such populations.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amoxicillin / pharmacology
  • Bacterial Capsules / physiology
  • Genetic Variation
  • Haemophilus influenzae / drug effects
  • Haemophilus influenzae / genetics*
  • Haemophilus influenzae / physiology
  • Humans
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Vaccination
  • beta-Lactamases / biosynthesis

Substances

  • Amoxicillin
  • beta-Lactamases