Genetic diversity of invasive strains of Haemophilus influenzae type b before and after introduction of the conjugate vaccine in Italy

Abstract

We determined the genotypes of 95 invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) strains collected before and after introduction of widespread Hib vaccination in Italy. No substantial change in genetic diversity was highlighted by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, However, an upward temporal trend in proportion of strains possessing multiple copies of the capsulation b locus was detected (P = .03). © 2006 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved.