Haemophilus influenzae type b polysaccharide (None)

The Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) polysaccharide is a capsular polymer that serves as a critical virulence factor for the bacterium. It is the primary antigenic component used in Hib vaccines and plays a central role in the organism's ability to evade host immune responses and cause invasive disease, particularly in young children. The PRP capsule enables *H. influenzae* type b to resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing, contributing significantly to its virulence. Antibodies targeting the PRP capsule confer protection against invasive Hib disease. Vaccination with PRP-based conjugate vaccines has dramatically reduced incidence rates worldwide.

Other names

Hib polysaccharidePRPPolyribosyl-ribitol-phosphate

Antibodies targeting the PRP capsule confer protection against invasive Hib disease; Conjugation to carrier proteins enhances immunogenicity.