Haemophilus influenzae infection future or investigational therapies

Haemophilus influenzae infection Main page
Patient Information
Overview
Causes
Classification Pneumonia Bacteremia Meningitis Epiglottitis Cellulitis arthritis Otitis media Conjunctivitis
Pathophysiology

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Future and Investigational Therapies

Currently available conjugate vaccines differ in immuno-genicity in very young children and possibly in duration of antibody persistence, raising questions about long-term efficacy (>5 years), optimal use, and schedules. Monitoring the possible emergence of disease due to other serotypes. Problems with serotyping of H. influenzae in state health departments. Development of rapid molecular assays for detection and molecular subtyping of all Hi strains. The cost of Hib conjugate vaccines has limited their use in developing countries even though Hib is a major cause of morbidity and mortality.

Evaluating the characteristics of Hib vaccines associated with prevention of carriage and invasive disease will facilitate application of this technology to development of conjugate vaccines for other organisms with polysaccharide capsules (such as the meningococcus, pneumococcus, and group B streptococcus). Further evaluation of herd immunity effects may lead to insight into vaccination strategies that optimize protection against invasive disease and transmission of Hib organisms.