Presence of Antibodies against Haemophilus influenzae Serotype a in Alaska before and after the Emergence of Invasive Infections

Abstract

Background: Haemophilus influenzae bacteria can cause asymptomatic carriage and invasive disease. Haemophilus influenzae serotype a (Hia) is an emerging cause of invasive disease in Alaska, with greatest burden occurring among rural Alaska Native (AN) children. The first case of invasive Hia (iHia) in Alaska was reported in 2002; however, it is unclear how long the pathogen has been in Alaska. Methods: We quantified immunoglobulin G antibodies against Hia (anti-Hia) in 839 banked serum samples from Alaska residents, comparing antibody concentrations in samples drawn in the decades before (1980s and 1990s) and after (2000s) the emergence of iHia. We also assessed serum antibody concentration by age group, region of residence, and race. Results: The anti-Hia was >0.1 μg/mL in 88.1% (348 of 395) and 91.0% (404 of 444) of samples from the decades prior and after the emergence of Hia, respectively (P=.17). No significant differences in antibody levels were detected between people from rural and urban regions (1.55 vs 2.08 μg/mL, P=.91 for age≥5) or between AN and non-AN people (2.50 vs 2.60 μg/mL, P=.26). Conclusions: Our results are consistent with widespread Hia exposure in Alaska predating the first iHia case. No difference in Hia antibody prevalence was detected between populations with differing levels of invasive disease.