[Haemophilus influenzae meningitis following vaccination. Consequence or coincidence?].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The introduction of vaccines against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) has had a substantial impact on Hib infections. Their use has established their excellent safety profiles but occasional adverse effects have been reported.

CASE REPORT:

A 4 month-old infant was admitted for a severe form of Hib meningitis with septicemia whose first manifestations developed 3 hours after the first immunization with a conjugate vaccine against Hib (PRP-T). The outcome was good without any sequelae.

DISCUSSION:

A dramatic decrease in serum antibodies due to antigen-antibody reaction during the first days after immunization has been reported; this mechanism and some epidemiological data could favor the hypothesis that the vaccine is responsible for the infection, at least the unconjugated vaccines.

CONCLUSION:

Any fever occurring in the immediate post-immunization period must alert the possibility of a Hib infection.

• Authors: E Basson, M Di Maio, D Stamm, S Cagnin, C Berger, D Floret
• Journal: Archives de pediatrie : organe officiel de la Societe francaise de pediatrie (Arch Pediatr) Vol. 3 Issue 4 Pg. 342-4 (Apr 1996) ISSN: 0929-693X [Print] France
• Vernacular Title: Méningite à Haemophilus influenzae dans les suites d'une vaccination. Conséquence ou coïncidence?
• PMID: 8762955 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Haemophilus Vaccines

Topics

• Antigen-Antibody Reactions
• Female
• Haemophilus Vaccines (adverse effects, immunology)
• Humans
• Infant
• Meningitis, Haemophilus (etiology, immunology)