A hierarchical Bayesian model to predict the duration of immunity to Haemophilus influenzae type b

Biometrics. 1999 Dec;55(4):1306-13. doi: 10.1111/j.0006-341x.1999.01306.x.

Abstract

A hierarchical Bayesian regression model is fitted to longitudinal data on Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) serum antibodies. To estimate the decline rate of the antibody concentration, the model accommodates the possibility of unobserved subclinical infections with Hib bacteria that cause increasing concentrations during the study period. The computations rely on Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation of the joint posterior distribution of the model parameters. The model is used to predict the duration of immunity to subclinical Hib infection and to a serious invasive Hib disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Bacterial / blood
  • Bayes Theorem*
  • Biometry*
  • Child
  • Cohort Studies
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Finland
  • Haemophilus Infections / immunology
  • Haemophilus Infections / prevention & control
  • Haemophilus Vaccines / pharmacology
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Markov Chains
  • Models, Statistical
  • Monte Carlo Method
  • Regression Analysis

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial
  • Haemophilus Vaccines