Burden of Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae infections during childhood in Pakistan

A review of Pakistani published data and available information was conducted to determine the burden of Haemophilus influenzae and streptococcus pneumoniae infections during childhood in Pakistan primarily focusing on meningitis and pneumoniae as the major disease categories. It was found that burden of both the diseases is enormous but little community-based information is available for its accurate assessment. However, 85000 childhood deaths and handicaps in infancy have been conservatively estimated, 33% of which may be attributed to H. influenzae and strep. pneumoniae. It also highlight the high rates of antibiotic pretreatment and low bacteriological yield. It is recommended that preventive strategies, especially avoidance of unnecessary antibiotic use and vaccination be used. The Hib and pneumococcal confugate vaccines seems to be promising but needs to be introduced and evaluated in the developing countries like ours.