Epidemic Process of Haemophilus influenzae Infection in WHO Regions
https://doi.org/10.31631/2073-3046-2025-24-1-101-112
Abstract
Relevance. Although the incidence of Hib infection has decreased in the last three decades, it is still significant. Even with appropriate treatment, the case-fatality rate can be as high as 5%. Up to 40% of children with infection may suffer lifelong complications. Although Hib infection is classified as vaccine-preventable, WHO and CDC do not post annual incidence information on their resources, unlike other vaccine-preventable infections. Therefore, an assessment of the global epidemic situation can only be based on the results of studies conducted in different countries.
Objective. To assess the incidence of Haemophilus influenzae type b infection in selected countries of the world and the Russian Federation against the background of the introduction of specific vaccine prophylaxis.
Conclusion. The incidence of invasive Hib infection in countries where vaccination against this infection is unavailable or has only recently been included in national vaccination programmes depends on maintaining high vaccination coverage and well-functioning surveillance systems. The persistently low incidence in all countries that have introduced Hib vaccine illustrates the success of routine vaccination programmes in providing effective protection to vaccinees and promoting collective immunity. However, the continued detection of cases of invasive forms of Haemophilus influenzae infection raises concerns that other serotypes may be displaced if mass immunisation with serotype b vaccine is carried out globally.
About the Authors
S. O. Vysokochanskaya
G.N. Gabrichevsky Research Institute for Epidemiology and Microbiology; I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Sonya O. Vysochanskaya – junior researcher at the laboratory of diphtheria and pertussis surveillance
Moscow
+7 (495) 459-21-46
S. Y. Kombarova
G.N. Gabrichevsky Research Institute for Epidemiology and Microbiology
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Svetlana Y. Kombarova – Dr. Sci. (Bio.), director
Moscow
+7 (495) 452-18-16
R. V. Polibin
I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Roman V. Polibin – Cand. Sci. (Med.), Deputy Director of F. Erismann Institute of Public Health, associate professor of the Department of Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Medicine
Moscow
+7 (499) 248-17-88
A. A. Basov
G.N. Gabrichevsky Research Institute for Epidemiology and Microbiology; I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Artem A. Basov – Cand. Sci. (Med.), Head of departmentat of the laboratory of diphtheria and pertussis surveillance
Moscow
+7 (495) 459-21-46
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Vysokochanskaya S.O., Kombarova S.Y., Polibin R.V., Basov A.A. Epidemic Process of Haemophilus influenzae Infection in WHO Regions. Epidemiology and Vaccinal Prevention. 2025;24(1):101-112. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.31631/2073-3046-2025-24-1-101-112
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