INCIDENCE OF INVASIVE HAEMOPHILUS-INFLUENZAE TYPE-B DISEASE IN ITALIAN CHILDREN

To estimate the incidence of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) invas ive disease in Italian infants we performed a prospective study in a c ohort of newborns enrolled for a randomized trial on safety and effica cy of three pertussis vaccines and followed for onset of serious disea se or pertussis. The overall cumulative incidence observed in 15,601 c hildren was 51.3/100,000 for all invasive Hib infections and 38.4/100, 000 for Hib meningitis, over 27 months of observation. The incidence d ensity of all invasive Hib diseases was 28.7/100,000 person-years, whi le meningitis occurred with an incidence of 21.5/100,000 person-years. Among the eight cases detected, six were meningitis, one sepsis, and one cellulitis. The child with sepsis died. The incidence and epidemio logy of invasive Hib disease in Italy are comparable to those reported from other European countries. Cost-benefit analyses are needed for p lanning Italian vaccination policy.