HAEMOPHILUS-INFLUENZAE TYPE-B MENINGITIS IN THE IMMEDIATE POST-IMMUNIZATION PERIOD - CONSEQUENCE OR COINCIDENCE

Background.- The introduction of vaccines against Haemophilus influenz ae type b (Hib) has had a substantial impact on Hib infections. Their use has established their excellent safety profiles brit occasional ad verse effects have been reported. Case report.- A 4 month-old infant w as admitted for a severe form of Hib meningitis with septicemia whose first manifestations developed 3 hours after the first immunization wi th a conjugate vaccine against Hib (PRP-T). The outcome was good witho ut any sequelae. Discussion.- A dramatic decrease in serum antibodies due to antigen-antibody reaction during the first days after immunizat ion has been reported; this mechanism and some epidemiological data co uld favor the hypothesis that the vaccine is responsible for the infec tion, at least the unconjugated vaccines. Conclusion.- Any fever occur ring in the immediate post-immunization period must alert the possibil ity of a Hib infection.