Long-term impact of vaccination on Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) carriage in the United Kingdom

Abstract

A recent resurgence in serious infections due to Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) has been observed in the United Kingdom. More information on Hib transmission in the population is required in order to better understand the mechanism of this increase. The Public Health Laboratory Service (subsumed into the Health Protection Agency since April 2004) conducted four cross-sectional studies of asymptomatic oropharyngeal Hib carriage in children attending day-care nurseries in England and Wales in 1992, 1994, 1997 and 2002. These demonstrated a marked reduction in the prevalence of Hib colonization over time since vaccine introduction (3.98% in 1992; 0.70% in 1994; 0% in 1997; 0% in 2002), whi..