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An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
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An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Published on: December 10, 2013

Circulating polyribophosphate in Hemophilus influenzae, type b meningitis. Correlation with clinical course and

R J O'Reilly, P Anderson, D L Ingram

    The Journal of Clinical Investigation
    |October 1, 1975
    PubMed

    Insights

    Polyribophosphate, released during Hemophilus influenzae type b infections, was measured in children with meningitis. Impaired clearance of this antigen correlated with severe symptoms and reduced antibody response, suggesting immune system deficiencies.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
    • Immunology
    • Microbiology

    Background:

    • Hemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) meningitis releases polyribophosphate (PRP) into circulation.
    • Understanding PRP clearance is crucial for managing Hib infections and immune responses.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To quantify PRP in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of children with Hib meningitis.
    • To investigate the relationship between PRP levels, clearance, clinical course, and antibody response.

    Main Methods:

    • Radiolabeled antigen-binding inhibition assay used for PRP quantification.
    • Serial serum and CSF samples analyzed from 45 children with Hib meningitis.
    • Radioimmunoassay employed to detect antipolyribophosphate antibody responses.

    Main Results:

    • PRP detected in acute serum and CSF; unbound form persisted 1-30 days post-therapy.
    • Acid-labile PRP complexes found in serum up to 145 days.
    • Prolonged antigenemia linked to protracted fever, neurological symptoms, and focal complications.
    • 79% of patients developed antipolyribophosphate antibodies; intensity correlated with antigen clearance efficiency.
    • Impaired antigen clearance associated with low antibody magnitude and potential immune deficiencies.

    Conclusions:

    • Antigen clearance mechanisms significantly influence humoral immune response development and intensity.
    • Deficiencies in the PRP clearance system may occur in infants and children.
    • Findings suggest a link between PRP clearance efficiency and the severity of Hib meningitis and subsequent immune response.

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