Surveillance of natural acquired antibodies to Haemophilus influenzae type b among children in Cairo-Egyptian

Abstract

In Egypt, the incidence of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease is not common and the vaccine is still not included into the national immunization program. The aim of this study was to evaluate the natural immunity to Hib in healthy children at Egyptian capitol (Cairo). One hundred and two children were enrolled in our study of age one month to 15 year. Anti-capsular polysaccharide (PRP) of Hib specific IgM and IgG antibody concentrations were estimated using enzyme immunoassay. The majority (64.7%, 75.5%) of children had a protective levels ⩾ 15 μg/ml of specific antibodies (IgM and IgG). Fortunately, a total of 95.5% of the children under 5 years old had a protective level. Our result will provide evidence that in Egypt capitol, the natural immunity against Hib can be acquired at an early age.