Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Isolation of Leukocytes from Human Breast Milk for Use in an Antibody-dependent Cellular Phagocytosis Assay of HIV Targets
08:12

Isolation of Leukocytes from Human Breast Milk for Use in an Antibody-dependent Cellular Phagocytosis Assay of HIV Targets

Published on: September 6, 2019

Haemophilus influenzae type b serology in childhood leukaemia: a case-control study

F D Groves1, D Sinha, H Kayhty

  • 1Department of Biometry and Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.

British Journal of Cancer
|August 7, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Antibody levels to Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) polysaccharide differed between children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and controls. Younger ALL patients had lower anti-PRP antibody concentrations, while older patients had higher levels compared to controls.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pediatric Oncology

Background:

  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a significant pathogen in children.
  • Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) can impact immune responses.
  • Antibody levels to Hib polysaccharide (PRP) are a marker of immune function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate differences in antibody levels to Hib polysaccharide (PRP) between children with ALL and non-leukaemic controls.
  • To explore the relationship between age and anti-PRP antibody concentrations in children with and without ALL.

Main Methods:

  • Measurement of antibody to Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) polysaccharide (PRP).
  • Comparison of antibody levels in 42 children with ALL and 42 non-leukaemic hospital controls.
  • Statistical modeling of anti-PRP concentrations as a function of age.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences in the slopes of age-related anti-PRP antibody trends were observed between ALL cases and controls (P = 0.05).
  • Younger children with ALL exhibited lower anti-PRP antibody concentrations compared to controls.
  • Older children with ALL demonstrated higher anti-PRP antibody concentrations than age-matched controls.

Conclusions:

  • Age-dependent patterns of anti-PRP antibody concentrations are altered in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
  • These findings suggest a complex immune dysregulation in ALL affecting humoral immunity to Hib.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the clinical implications of these altered antibody responses.

More Related Videos

Assessing Respiratory Immune Responses to Haemophilus Influenzae06:32

Assessing Respiratory Immune Responses to Haemophilus Influenzae

Published on: June 29, 2021

Separation of Immune Cell Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood Samples from Children with Infectious Mononucleosis08:44

Separation of Immune Cell Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood Samples from Children with Infectious Mononucleosis

Published on: September 7, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Poliomyelitis01:17

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...