Capsule related antigen antibody response – Microbiology MCQ

Which of the following does not have polysaccharide capsule related antigen antibody response?

A. Haemophilus influenzae
B. Neisseria meningitidis
C. Streptococcus pneumoniae
D. Bordetella pertussis

Correct answer : D. Bordetella pertussis

Scanning Electron Micrograph of Streptococcus pneumoniae showing polysaccharide capsule

Polysaccharide capsule related antigen antibody response

• Polysaccharide capsule in an important virulence factor in many organisms like:
  • Haemophilus influenzae
  • Neisseria meningitidis
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae
  • Salmonella typhi
• Antibodies against the capsule protect against infection
• The capsule can be used for producing conjugate polysaccharide vaccines (for H. influenzae, N. meningitidis and S. pneumoniae)
• Patients with B cell dysfunction, asplenia (as in sickle cell disease / after splenectomy) and complement defects are highly susceptible to infection with encapsulated organisms