Invasive disease caused by Haemophilus influenzae: report of 14 cases one year after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

Haemophilus influenzae (Hi) causes invasive disease (IE). Capsulated strains are distinguished, such as serotype b (Hib), and non-typeable strains (HNT). One year after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, we observed an increase in cases.The clinical-epidemiological characteristics of children with IE due to Hi admitted to the hospital (July 2021-July 2022) are described. There were 14 cases;12 previously healthy. Isolates Hib (n = 6), Hi serotype a (n = 2), HNT (n = 5), 1 was not typed. Median age 8.5 months (IQR 4-21). Manifestations meningitis (n = 5), pneumonia (n = 6), cellulitis (n = 2), arthritis (n = 1). Nine had incomplete vaccination for Hib.We observed a 2.5-fold increase in EI per Hi compared to previous years. These data suggest a resurgence of Hib due to the fall in vaccination coverage and because other Hib non-b strains are on the rise.