The prevalence of serotypes of Haemophilus influenzae in healthy children 1 to 5 years referred to Imam Ali clinic of Shahrekord in 2012

Haemophilus influenza is one of the most important pathogens in the respiratory system that can cause several complications especially in children. So, this study was aimed to determine the prevalence of Haemophilus influenza serotypes in the pharyngeal mucosa of healthy children. In this analytic- descriptive study, 378 pharyngeal samples were randomly selected from 1 to 5 years old children referred to Imam Ali Clinic in 2012. Samples were analyzed by two methods of culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All the positive samples serotypes were evaluated by PCR. There was 42 (11.1%) positive numbers of Haemophilus influenza serotypes in the samples in this study (95% Confidence interval). 8 cases were encapsulated and 34 cases nonencapsulated among them. Among the encapsulated ones, 4 cases were serotype f, 2 cases were serotype b and 2 cases were serotype d. There was a significant relationship between the incidence of Haemophilus influenza and having brother or sister under 5 years old (p=0.044) and father’s education (P=0.041). the results of this study indicated that the nonencapsulated serotype has the highest frequency. The frequency of serotype b is one of the most important invasive serotype in carrier's children, although serotype f has more prevalence. Thus, the findings of this study emphasize that responsible managers need to pay more attention to these pathogens.