Isotype distribution and bactericidal activity of antibodies after immunization with Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccines at 18-24 months of age.

The serum antibody response to Haemophilus influenzae type b capsular polysaccharide or its protein conjugate vaccine (PRP and PRP-D, respectively) was studied in 28 children initially immunized at the age of 24 mo with either vaccine and in 10 children immunized for the third time with PRP-D at the age of 18 mo. The methods used were isotype-resolving enzyme immunoassay, Farr-type radioimmunoassay, and the in vitro bactericidal activity (BCA) test. Immunization with PRP evoked a higher proportion of IgA antibodies than did either the first or third dose of PRP-D, whereas the latter vaccine evoked a somewhat higher IgG response, but the differences were not statistically significant. In all groups the IgG antibody responses were predominantly IgG1, with the mean proportions being 82.2%, 84.2%, and 65.9% in the PRP, first-dose PRP-D, and third-dose PRP-D groups, respectively. Postimmunization antibodies were functionally active in the BCA test.