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Epidemiological & demographic trends of Haemophilus influenzae in Malaysia's southern region: data insights from tertiary level hospital and nearby facilities

delete2026-04-01
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PRE
AI
L
Liow, Yii Ling *
A
Aziera, Syida
A
Aidil, Farah
A
Akmar, Dayangku Seritul
F
Faraha, Nurulyumni
Y
Yow, Kai Jie
R
Rao, Mohan
DOI:delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Introduction: Haemophilus influenzae (HI) is a significant pathogen responsible for respiratory and invasive infections globally. Following the introduction of the Haemophilus influenzae serotype B (Hib) vaccine in Malaysia in 2002, cases of Hib-related diseases declined sharply. Still, the prevalence of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) emerged as a public health concern. This study investigates epidemiological and demographic patterns of HI infections in Malaysia's southern region. Materials and Methods: Clinical isolates of HI were recovered during routine diagnostic testing and analysed from June 2023 to December 2024. All isolates were identified using conventional laboratory methods, biochemical assays, and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionisation Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Confirmatory serotyping was outsourced to the National Public Health Laboratory in Sungai Buloh, Selangor. Epidemiological trends were assessed based on demographics, sample types, and seasonal variations. Results: A total of 281 samples were analysed. NTHi accounted for 96.5% of isolates, with sputum as the dominant sample type (56.4%). Infants and elderly individuals constitute the most vulnerable groups. Peaks in sample submissions correlated with monsoon seasons. Foreign nationals had disproportionately higher mortality rates, reflecting challenges in vaccination access. Conclusion: The study underscores the dominance of NTHi infections in post-Hib vaccination settings in Malaysia. Seasonal trends and demographic disparities emphasise the need for tailored public health interventions and infrastructure strengthening to reduce the burden of HI infections.
Keywords:
Haemophilus influenzae
nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae
epidemiology
serotype
vaccination
respiratory infections
Malaysia

Journal

M
Malaysian Journal of Pathology
IF:
1
Papers:
15
Citations:
0

Organization

K
kementerian kesihatan malaysia
Scholars:
3.0K
Papers: 1.3K
Citations: 1
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