Vacuna anti-Haemophilus influenzae de tipo b (Hib) en el Calendario Nacional de Argentina: portación nasofaríngea de Hib tras 8 años de su introducción

Abstract

Introduction. As a part of the PAHO supported protocol “Evaluation of the impact of Haemophilus influenzae b vaccination programs in four Latinamerican countries”, a study took place in Argentine 8 years after introduction of Hib vaccine. Objective. To evaluate the impact of Hib vaccination measuring Nasopharyngeal Colonization (NC) rate and to identify factors associated to Haemophilus influenzae (HI) carrier status. Methods. Cross-sectional study –from June 27th 2005 to April 12th 2006– in two pediatric hospitals, HNRG and PE. Nasopharyngeal swab specimens were processed in the INEI-ANLIS “Dr. C. Malbrán”; samples were cultured in chocolate agar medium containing bacitracin. Hi was identified with technics of Gram, oxidase, catalase, growth factors (V-X-XV) and test of porphyrin. Capsular serotypification was made by agglutination in lamina with specific antisera and the confirmation by polymerase chain reaction. Population. 900 children of 1 year of age, vaccinated with 3 doses and 700 children of 5 years, with 4 vaccine doses. Results. Hi was detected in 40% (641/1.600) of samples, among Hi, 4,8% (31/641) were encapsulated (3 serotypes a, 1 b, 3 c, 5 d, 7 e, and 12 f). Only one child of 1 year was NC carrier of Hi type b (0.06%). Conclusions. We found a very low NC Hib (0.06%) rate, for this reason associations could not be analyzed. The age, household and day care center contacts were associated with NC by Haemophilus influenzae.