Invasive Hib Disease in Elderly Nursing Home Residents
Author Information
Author(s): Timothy C. Heath, Moira C. Hewitt, Bin Jalaludin, Christine Roberts, Anthony G. Capon, Peter Jelfs, Gwendolyn L. Gilbert
Primary Institution: Western Sector Public Health Unit, North Parramatta, New South Wales
Hypothesis
Is there a transmission of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infection among elderly nursing home residents?
Conclusion
The study suggests that Hib infection was transmitted within the nursing home, highlighting the need for continued surveillance.
Supporting Evidence
- Two elderly women had lived in the same room and developed symptoms 5 days apart.
- Hib isolates from blood cultures showed identical profiles.
- Twenty residents and several staff had been ill with bronchitis prior to the investigation.
- No new febrile illnesses occurred during 3 weeks of follow-up after chemoprophylaxis.
Takeaway
Two elderly women in a nursing home got very sick and died from the same germ, showing that this germ can spread among older people.
Methodology
Throat swabs were collected from all residents and staff and cultured for Hib; chemoprophylaxis was administered to close contacts.
Limitations
The prevalence study may not have accurately reflected Hib carriage due to widespread antibiotic use prior to the investigation.
Participant Demographics
Elderly nursing home residents, specifically two women aged 71 and 80.
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