Haemophilus influenzae type-b and non-b-type invasive diseases in urban children (<5years) of Bangladesh: implications for therapy and vaccination.

Objective: To prospectively study the epidemiology and antibiotic resistance of Haemophilus infuenzae isolates from invasive infections in children.

Methods: Children (<5years) with pneumonia, meningitis and septicemia from three hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh were enrolled (1999-2003); clinical and laboratory data, and blood for cultures were collected. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of meningitis cases was analyzed (Gram stain, culture and biochemical tests).