Abstract
The finding of an unusually high rate of Haemophilus influenzae (HFlu) bacteremia in Haitian children with sickle cell anemia led to speculation that they might comprise a population generally more susceptible to such infections. We reviewed all blood and spinal fluid cultures positive for HFlu for children under 5 for a 2 year period and found 71 occurred in H and 104 in American (A) children, a rate disproportionate to the ethnic composition of children seen in our Emergency Room. For 6 months, the race and nationality of all children seen were available. During that time positive cultures were found in 20/2026 (0.99%) H, a higher rate than that found in A children, 20/8335 (0.24%) p<.01. The rate was similar for both Black and White A children. There was no difference in age with 88% H and 80% A occurring before 2 years, nor was there a difference in infection site, underlying illness or outcome. Although the data do not allow calculation of a population incidence, they seem to indicate that H children in this community have more frequent serious infections with HFlu. Immunization should be provided but will be of uncertain benefit until a product is made available that is effective in the first year of life.
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Pegelow, C., Adams, J. & Cleary, T. INCREASED RATE OF HAEMOPHILUS INFLUNZAE INFECTION IN HAITIAN CHILDREN. Pediatr Res 21 (Suppl 4), 261 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00561
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00561
