Haemophilus Influenzae meningitis in a two-year old child

A reemergence of severe infections due to Hib has been identified in the last few years, due to different factors including a reduction in indirect protection or herd effect, a decrease in antibody titers among children vaccinated before 1 year of age who did not receive a booster dose, and the emergence of more virulent, contagious strains.
In our patient, we concluded that the meningitis was a consequence of the loss of immunity in light of the lack of vaccine booster. Antibody titers in children vaccinated before one year of age have a tendency to decrease more rapidly.
Any bacterial meningitis and in particular meningitis due to Hib infection requires a careful ENT examination to detect early signs and symptoms of complications due to damage in the inner ear. An initial ENT evaluation must be performed and reassessed on a regular basis during and after treatment. One of the most feared complications is the cochlear ossification which - if it goes undetected - becomes irreversible and does not allow cochlear implant.