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Value Health Reg Issues 2019 Feb 15;19:34-44. Epub 2019 Feb 15.

GSK, Wavre, Belgium.

Background: The 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) is used for universal infant vaccination in Turkey.

Objectives: To assess the cost effectiveness of replacing PCV13 with pneumococcal nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae protein D conjugate vaccine (PHiD-CV).

Methods: A Markov cohort model with monthly cycles following 1 cohort of infants over a 10-year time horizon was used. Read More

Vaccine 2019 Feb 13. Epub 2019 Feb 13.

Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.

Introduction: Haemophilus influenzae type b was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in infants and children below the age of two years prior to the introduction of H. influenzae type b conjugate vaccines. In December 2011, the Indian government introduced H. Read More

Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi 2019 Feb;53(2):179-184

Division of Expanded Immunization Program, Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Academy of Preventive Medicine, Shandong University; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan 250014, China.

To analyze epidemiological characteristics of acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) cases and the common pathogens infected in Jinan, Shandong Province. Epidemiological and clinical informations and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood specimens of acute meningitis/encephalitis syndrome (AMES) cases (total 3 918 cases) were collected in the six sentinel hospitals from 2013 to 2016. , and were detected by the methods of real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), bacterial culture and latex agglutination. Read More

Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi 2019 Feb;53(2):164-168

Department of National Immunization Programme, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100050, China.

To explore acute meningitis and encephalitis syndrome (AMES) surveillance in 4 China prefectures, to understand the epidemiological features and disease burden of () meningitis, () meningitis, haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) meningitis and Japanese encephalitis and provide evidence for related disease prevention and control. AMES surveillance were conducted in Jinan, Shandong Province and Yichang, Hubei Province in September 2006, and in 13 districts of Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province and Guigang City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in April 2007. Six hospitals in each city were selected as monitoring pilot hospitals to carry out reports of suspected cases of acute meningitis and encephalitis, case investigation, blood specimens and cerebrospinal fluid specimen collection, anti-JEV IgM antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, , and Hib culture and polymerase chain reaction detection, etc. Read More

Rev Paul Pediatr 2019 Jan 7. Epub 2019 Jan 7.

Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil.

Objective: To describe eight cases of invasive non-type b Haemophilus influenzae disease in children admitted to Hospital de Clínicas of Universidade Estadual de Campinas.

Cases Description: In 2015, there were eight cases of invasive non-type b H. influenzae disease. Read More

Acta Otorrinolaringol Esp 2018 Dec 19. Epub 2018 Dec 19.

Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Asturias, España.

Background And Objective: The risk of bacterial meningitis increases in cochlear implant patients. Therefore, pneumococcal, influenza and Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccination is indicated in this group. The aim of this study was to determine compliance with the vaccination calendar in patients implanted in a referral hospital. Read More

Pan Afr Med J 2018 30;30:235. Epub 2018 Jul 30.

Centre de Recherche Médicale et Sanitaire (CERMES), BP 10887, 634 Bd de la Nation, YNo34 Niamey, Niger.

Introduction: Bacterial meningitis (BM) is one of the most severe infectious disease in Niger republic. To best describe the trends of BM disease, meningitis surveillance data from the Centre de Recherche Medicale et Sanitaire (CERMES) and the Direction of Surveillance and Response to Epidemics (DSRE) were reviewed and analyzed.

Methods: Data on number of notified cases of BM and on pathogens were analyzed during 2003-2015. Read More

Microbiol Resour Announc 2018 Oct 25;7(16). Epub 2018 Oct 25.

Minnesota Department of Health Public Health Laboratory, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA.

is a complex genus that includes commensal and pathogenic species that pose a public health threat to humans. While the pathogenic species have been studied extensively, many commensals have limited genomic information available. Here, we present 24 draft genomes for a diverse set of 7 and species. Read More

Lancet Neurol 2018 Dec 13;17(12):1061-1082. Epub 2018 Nov 13.

Background: Acute meningitis has a high case-fatality rate and survivors can have severe lifelong disability. We aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the levels and trends of global meningitis burden that could help to guide introduction, continuation, and ongoing development of vaccines and treatment programmes.

Methods: The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors (GBD) 2016 study estimated meningitis burden due to one of four types of cause: pneumococcal, meningococcal, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and a residual category of other causes. Read More

Front Immunol 2018 20;9:2674. Epub 2018 Nov 20.

Vaccine Evaluation Center, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

The encapsulated bacteria , and (Group B Streptococcus) have been responsible for the majority of severe infections in children for decades, specifically bacteremia and meningitis. Isolates which cause invasive disease are usually surrounded by a polysaccharide capsule, which is a major virulence factor and the key antigen in protective protein-polysaccharide conjugate vaccines. Protection against these bacteria is largely mediated via polysaccharide-specific antibody and complement, although the contribution of these and other components, and the precise mechanisms, vary between species and include opsonophagocytosis and complement-dependent bacteriolysis. Read More

Lancet Infect Dis 2019 Jan 26;19(1):83-90. Epub 2018 Nov 26.

Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group & Vaccine Institute, St George's University of London and St George's University Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK.

Background: Group B streptococcus is a leading cause of serious infection in young infants in many countries worldwide. We aimed to define the burden and clinical features of invasive group B streptococcal disease in infants younger than 90 days in the UK and Ireland, together with the characteristics of disease-causing isolates.

Methods: Prospective, active national surveillance of invasive group B streptococcal disease in infants younger than 90 days was done from April 1, 2014, to April 30, 2015, through the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit, microbiology reference laboratories, and national public health agencies in the UK and Ireland. Read More

Vaccine 2019 Jan 23;37(1):41-48. Epub 2018 Nov 23.

Department of Infectious Diseases, Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità, ISS), Rome, Italy. Electronic address:

Background: Vaccine-preventable invasive bacterial diseases (IBDs) caused by Neisseria meningitidis (Nm), Streptococcus pneumoniae (Sp), and Haemophilus influenzae (Hi) have been notified in Italy since 2007 without assessing reporting completeness.

Methods: Our study compared the number of cases of IBDs identified from the Italian Hospital Discharge Records (HDRs), using specific diagnostic ICD-9-CM codes, with those notified to the National Surveillance System (NSS) from 2007 to 2016. A multinomial logistic regression model was used to impute the aetiology of all discharges with a diagnosis of unspecified bacterial meningitis. Read More

Pan Afr Med J 2018 22;30:164. Epub 2018 Jun 22.

Service de Microbiologie, CHU Mohammed VI, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Université Cadi Ayyad, Marrakech, Maroc.

Non-Type b Haemophilus is a rare cause of invasive secondary localization in young children. We here report the case of a child aged 11 months old who had Meningitis due to Non-Type b Haemophilus, a gram -negative bacilli of polymorphous appearance still exceptionally described in the literature, whose origin was undetermined and whose evolution was fatal. Clinicians and microbiologists should suspect the presence of these infrequent serotypes, especially on a particular case. Read More

Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2019 Mar 16;93(3):188-190. Epub 2018 Oct 16.

Division of Bacterial Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.

This study presents a triplex real-time PCR assay that allows for the direct detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae in one reaction without DNA extraction, with similar sensitivity and specificity to singleplex assays. This approach saves time, specimen volume and reagents while achieving a higher testing throughput. Read More

Thorax 2018 Oct 24. Epub 2018 Oct 24.

EpiConcept, Paris, France.

Background: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) have the potential to prevent pneumococcal disease through direct and indirect protection. This multicentre European study estimated the indirect effects of 5-year childhood PCV10 and/or PCV13 programmes on invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in older adults across 13 sites in 10 European countries, to support decision-making on pneumococcal vaccination policies.

Methods: For each site we calculated IPD incidence rate ratios (IRR) in people aged ≥65 years by serotype for each PCV10/13 year (2011-2015) compared with 2009 (pre-PCV10/13). Read More

Wellcome Open Res 2018 25;3:65. Epub 2018 Sep 25.

Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, Population Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK.

The (fucosyltransferase-2) gene determines blood group secretor status. Being homozygous for the inactive "non-secretor" rs601338(A) allele confers resistance to certain infections (e.g. Read More

Med J Aust 2018 Nov 15;209(10):449-454. Epub 2018 Oct 15.

Western Diagnostic Pathology, Perth, WA

Meningitis and encephalitis are medical emergencies. Patients need prompt evaluation and immediate empiric therapy to reduce the likelihood of fatal outcomes and chronic neurological sequelae. Conjugate bacterial vaccines have significantly reduced the incidence of bacterial meningitis, especially in children. Read More

Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2018 Oct;24(5, Neuroinfectious Disease):1264-1283

Purpose Of Review: While acute bacterial meningitis is becoming less common in developed countries because of the widespread use of vaccines against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitides, and Haemophilus influenzae, bacterial meningitis still occurs worldwide, with peak incidence in young children and the elderly. Bacterial meningitis is usually lethal unless appropriate antibiotics that cross the blood-brain barrier are given. Clinical suspicion of bacterial meningitis begins when patients present with the abrupt onset of fever, headache, and meningismus. Read More

Hum Vaccin Immunother 2019 19;15(1):49-71. Epub 2018 Sep 19.

b GSK , Panama City , Panama.

Background: National pediatric vaccination programs have been introduced in Latin America (LatAm) to reduce the burden of diseases due to pathogens such as rotavirus, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and pneumococcus. Vaccination health benefits may extend to unvaccinated populations by reducing pathogen transmission. Understanding herd effect is important for implementation and assessment of vaccination programs. Read More

Expert Rev Vaccines 2018 09;17(9):797-818

a GSK , Wavre , Belgium.

Introduction: Pneumococcal diseases (including septicemia, meningitis, pneumonia, and upper respiratory infections) constitute a major public health problem. The World Health Organization recommends pneumococcal conjugate vaccine immunization of young children worldwide. Areas covered: We reviewed evidence on the effects of the 10-valent pneumococcal non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae protein D conjugate vaccine (PHiD-CV), which is used in childhood immunization programs in over 45 countries or regions. Read More

Pan Afr Med J 2017 4;28(Suppl 1):10. Epub 2017 Nov 4.

Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Nairobi, Ministry of Health, Kenya.

Introduction: bacterial meningitis, responsible for childhood morbidity and mortality, can also lead to permanent neurological disability among survivors. This study conducted from January to December, 2015 used standard bacteriological and molecular methods to investigate the etiology of three common causes of bacterial meningitis among hospitalized patients admitted at a semi-urban hospital in Nairobi, Kenya.

Methods: a total of 196 patients admitted at Mama Lucy Kibaki with clinically diagnosed meningitis were recruited into this cross-sectional study. Read More

Mikrobiyol Bul 2018 Jul;52(3):221-232

Yıldırım Beyazıt University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Ankara, Turkey.

Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae type B are responsible for about 80-85% of acute bacterial meningitis cases among adults and in our country it is mandatory to report bacterial meningitis cases caused by these agents. In recent years, disease control programs have focused especially on these three pathogens in our country. It is very important to know the causative agent of meningitis for prevention/control measures, choice of treatment regimen, and prediction of the severity and the course of the disease. Read More

Intern Med 2019 Jan 24;58(2):307-310. Epub 2018 Aug 24.

Department of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo Metropolitan Bokutoh General Hospital, Japan.

We report the case of a 36-year-old previously healthy woman who presented with fever and headache. Blood and cerebrospinal cultures and a bacterial analysis revealed the presence of β-lactamase non-producing ampicillin-resistant Haemophilus influenzae type f (Hif) with sequence type 124. Accordingly, the patient was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis with bacteremia caused by Hif. Read More

Vaccine 2018 09 23;36(39):5846-5857. Epub 2018 Aug 23.

Division of Infectious Diseases, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada; Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. Electronic address:

Background: Bacterial meningitis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide among children aged 1-59 months. We aimed to describe its burden in South Asia, focusing on vaccine-preventable aetiologies.

Methods: We searched five databases for studies published from January 1, 1990, to April 25, 2017. Read More

J Med Microbiol 2018 Oct 23;67(10):1527-1532. Epub 2018 Aug 23.

2​Rochester General Hospital Research Institute, 1425 Portland Avenue, Rochester, NY 14621, USA.

Purpose: Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is a commensal in the human nasopharynx and the cause of pneumonia, meningitis, sinusitis, acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute otitis media (AOM). AOM is the most common ailment for which antibiotics are prescribed in the United States. With the emergence of new strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, finding an effective and broad coverage vaccine to protect against AOM-causing pathogens has become a priority. Read More

Vaccine 2018 09 16;36(38):5678-5684. Epub 2018 Aug 16.

Department of Bacteriology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan.

Background: Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine was introduced as a voluntary vaccine in December 2008 and was included in the national routine immunization program in April 2013 in Japan. Currently, no nationwide data are available to evaluate the effectiveness of Hib vaccine in Japan.

Methods: To evaluate the effectiveness of Hib vaccine in Japan, nationwide active population-based surveillance of culture-proven invasive infections caused by H. Read More

Cell Mol Neurobiol 2018 Oct 16;38(7):1349-1368. Epub 2018 Aug 16.

Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.

This review aims to elucidate the different mechanisms of blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption that may occur due to invasion by different types of bacteria, as well as to show the bacteria-host interactions that assist the bacterial pathogen in invading the brain. For example, platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR) is responsible for brain invasion during the adhesion of pneumococci to brain endothelial cells, which might lead to brain invasion. Additionally, the major adhesin of the pneumococcal pilus-1, RrgA is able to bind the BBB endothelial receptors: polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1), thus leading to invasion of the brain. Read More

BMC Infect Dis 2018 Aug 15;18(1):405. Epub 2018 Aug 15.

Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Office of Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, MS D-11, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.

Background: Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening infection that remains a public health concern. Bacterial meningitis is commonly caused by the following species: Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Listeria monocytogenes, Haemophilus influenzae and Escherichia coli. Here, we describe BMScan (Bacterial Meningitis Scan), a whole-genome analysis tool for the species identification of bacterial meningitis-causing and closely-related pathogens, an essential step for case management and disease surveillance. Read More

Vaccine 2018 09 4;36(38):5766-5773. Epub 2018 Aug 4.

Epidemiology and Public Health Evaluation Group, Public Health Department, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia.

Background: Children immunization with pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) had profound public health effects across the globe. Colombian adopted PCV10 universal vaccination, but PCV incremental impact need to be revalued. The objective of this analysis was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of switch to PCV13 versus continue PCV10 in Colombian children. Read More

Western Pac Surveill Response J 2018 Apr-Jun;9(2):26-33. Epub 2018 Jun 30.

Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan.

Introduction: In 2019 and 2020, Japan will host two international sporting events estimated to draw a combined 22 million visitors. Mass gatherings like these ones increase the risk of spread of infectious disease outbreaks and international transmission. Pre-travel advice reduces that risk. Read More

Int J Med Microbiol 2018 Oct 17;308(7):829-839. Epub 2018 Jul 17.

Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, D-68167 Mannheim, Germany.

The Gram-negative bacterium Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) can commensally colonize the upper respiratory tract, but also cause life threatening disease including epiglottitis, sepsis and meningitis. The H. Read More

Neurol India 2018 Jul-Aug;66(4):1045-1049

Department of Microbiology, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India.

Objectives: To study the epidemiology, clinical profile, and the role of rapid tests in the diagnosis of acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) in children (1-59 months).

Materials And Methods: A total of 250 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and 187 blood samples received from clinically suspected cases of ABM were processed based on standard microbiological protocols. CSF samples were also subjected to antigen and nucleic acid detection. Read More

Clin Lab 2018 Jun;64(6):1013-1019

Background: Acute bacterial meningitis remains a life-threatening infectious disease with considerable morbidity and mortality. DNA-based detection methods are an urgent requisite for meningitis-causing bacterial pathogens for the prevention of outbreaks and control of infections.

Methods: We proposed a novel PCR-mass spectrometry (PCR-Mass) assay for the simultaneous detection of four meningitis-causing agents, Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the present study. Read More

J Obstet Gynaecol 2018 Jul;38(5):728

a Obstetrics Department, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee , Dundee , UK.

Background: Headache is one of the most common symptoms following delivery and the underlying cause may be benign or life threatening. Identification of the cause of headache in the postpartum period can be challenging and relies on a comprehensive history and thorough examination, with particular focus on the presence or absence of neurological signs, which may suggest a more serious diagnosis (Nelson-Piercy 2010 ). However, through clinical experience and research, we have noted that post-partum headache is significantly under-recognised and treated (Goldszmidt et al. Read More

Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2018 Dec 20;14(4):555-557. Epub 2018 Jun 20.

Department of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Butenfeld 34, 22529, Hamburg, Germany.

The bacterium Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) can cause severe and life-threatening infections such as epiglottitis and meningitis. The course of the disease can be very rapid, resulting in sudden death. The incidence of Hib-induced epiglottitis in children has declined since the introduction of vaccinations in countries where such vaccinations are routinely administered. Read More

Emerg Infect Dis 2018 07;24(7):1178-1187

The need for closer linkages between scientific and programmatic areas focused on addressing vaccine-preventable and acute respiratory infections led to establishment of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. During its first 10 years (2006-2015), NCIRD worked with partners to improve preparedness and response to pandemic influenza and other emergent respiratory infections, provide an evidence base for addition of 7 newly recommended vaccines, and modernize vaccine distribution. Clinical tools were developed for improved conversations with parents, which helped sustain childhood immunization as a social norm. Read More

Lancet Glob Health 2018 07;6(7):e744-e757

International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.

Background: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine are now used in most countries. To monitor global and regional progress towards improving child health and to inform national policies for disease prevention and treatment, we prepared global, regional, and national disease burden estimates for these pathogens in children from 2000 to 2015.

Methods: Using WHO and Maternal and Child Epidemiology Estimation collaboration country-specific estimates of pneumonia and meningitis mortality and pneumonia morbidity from 2000 to 2015, we applied pneumococcal and Hib cause-specific proportions to estimate pathogen-specific deaths and cases. Read More

PLoS One 2018 11;13(6):e0198772. Epub 2018 Jun 11.

Sanofi Pasteur Inc, Swiftwater, Pennsylvania, United States of America.

Bacterial meningitis is a global public health concern, with several responsible etiologic agents that vary by age group and geographical area. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the etiology of bacterial meningitis in different age groups across global regions. PubMed and EMBASE were systematically searched for English language studies on bacterial meningitis, limited to articles published in the last five years. Read More

Trends Microbiol 2018 Aug 21;26(8):727-728. Epub 2018 May 21.

Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Columbus, OH, USA.

In this infographic the diseases caused by nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi), including otitis media, are discussed. Encapsulated type b Haemophilus influenzae (Hib) was responsible for most of the invasive disease (meningitis) prior to the use of Hib vaccines. As Hib vaccines have no effect on infections due to nontypeable H. Read More

Vaccine 2018 06 18;36(28):4102-4111. Epub 2018 May 18.

GSK, Wavre, Avenue Fleming 20 (W23), 1300 Wavre, Belgium. Electronic address:

Background: Invasive meningococcal disease has a high burden in young children, particularly during infancy. We investigated the immunogenicity and safety of a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugated vaccine (MenACWY-TT) co-administered with routine vaccines in healthy infants.

Methods: In this phase IIIb study (NCT01340898) conducted in 2 centers in Lebanon and Mexico, 750 infants were randomized (2:1:1) to receive MenACWY-TT according to 3 schedules: 3+1 (at ages 2, 4, 6 and 15-18 months; group ACWY3+1); 1+1 (at 6 and 15-18 months; group ACWY1+1) or single-dose at 15-18 months (group ACWY1). Read More

Can Commun Dis Rep 2017 May 4;43(5):85-88. Epub 2017 May 4.

National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB.

serotype b (Hib) was a major cause of meningitis in children until Hib conjugate vaccine was introduced into the routine infant immunization program and Hib disease in children was almost eliminated. In Alaska, northern Canada and other countries with Indigenous peoples, serotype a (Hia) has emerged as a significant cause of pneumonia, meningitis and septic arthritis especially in children under 24 months of age. A joint government initiative between the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) was carried out to assess whether an Hia vaccine could be developed for the common good. Read More

PLoS One 2018 16;13(5):e0197198. Epub 2018 May 16.

Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India.

Background: Worldwide, acute bacterial meningitis is a major cause of high morbidity and mortality among under five children, particularly in settings where vaccination for H. influenzae type b, S. pneumoniae and N. Read More

J Paediatr Child Health 2018 Nov 13;54(11):1206-1212. Epub 2018 May 13.

Paediatric Departments, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.

Aim: The epidemiology of community-acquired bacterial meningitis has changed following the introduction of routine immunisation against common causative organisms. Indigenous children living in the Northern Territory, Australia, have high rates of bacterial infections. This study describes changes in the epidemiology of childhood bacterial meningitis and the distribution of the burden of disease in the Top End. Read More

Lancet Infect Dis 2018 Jul 8;18(7):749-757. Epub 2018 May 8.

Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands. Electronic address:

Background: In 2016, an increase in invasive Haemophilus influenzae serotype b (Hib) disease was reported in the Netherlands in children younger than 5 years, which coincided with the introduction of the hexavalent diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis-hepatitis B virus-inactivated polio virus/Hib vaccine (DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib) from 2011 onwards. We aimed to estimate the effectiveness of the hexavalent vaccine to assess whether this increase could be explained by decreasing effectiveness.

Methods: We did a case-control study in the Netherlands. Read More

PLoS One 2018 10;13(5):e0196722. Epub 2018 May 10.

Department of Biology, Science College, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.

Background: Asymptomatic pharyngeal colonization by potential bacteria is the primary reservoir for bacterial species within a population and is considered a prerequisite for development of major childhood diseases such as sinusitis, otitis media, pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis. However, there is dearth of data on the colonization and drug resistance pattern of the main bacterial pathogens in the pharynx of HIV infected children in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study determined the pharyngeal colonization and drug resistance profile of bacterial pathogens in HIV infected children attending ART clinic of Felegehiwot Referral Hospital (FHRH), Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Read More

Clin Infect Dis 2018 Oct;67(9):1445-1449

Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor.

In 1882, at 19 months of age, Helen Keller developed a febrile illness that left her both deaf and blind. Historical biographies attribute the illness to rubella, scarlet fever, encephalitis, or meningitis. This analysis of her illness suggests she likely had bacterial meningitis, caused by Neisseria meningitidis or possibly Haemophilus influenzae. Read More

Indian J Med Microbiol 2018 Jan-Mar;36(1):65-69

Division of Molecular Diagnostics, Microbiological Laboratory, 12A Cowley Brown Road, R.S.Puram, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.

Background: Determination of various analytical parameters is essential for the validation of primers used for in-house nucleic acid amplification tests. While standardising a high-resolution melt analysis (HRMA) for detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae in acute pyogenic meningitis, we encountered non-specific amplification of certain base pair sequences of human DNA by Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, USA recommended S. pneumoniae LytA primer. Read More

Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018 5;8:107. Epub 2018 Apr 5.

MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.

Pneumonia and meningitis continue to present an enormous public health burden and pose a major threat to young children. Among the causative organisms of pneumonia and meningitis, bacteria are the most common causes of serious disease and deaths. It is challenging to accurately and rapidly identify these agents. Read More

J Antimicrob Chemother 2018 Apr;73(suppl_5):v28-v35

IHMA Europe Sàrl, Route de l'Ile-au-Bois 1A, 1870 Monthey/VS, Switzerland.

Objectives: To determine antibiotic susceptibility in isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae collected in 2014-16 from Ukraine and the Slovak Republic.

Methods: MICs were determined by CLSI broth microdilution and susceptibility was assessed using CLSI, EUCAST and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) breakpoints.

Results: S. Read More