Immune response of adults with secondary immunodeficiency to pediatric Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine

Background Patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) develop secondary immunodeficiency as a result of the uremic state and its metabolic consequences, along with a negative impact of the dialysis procedure on the immune system. Such patients are therefore at high risk for septicemia and other severe infections. In non-vaccinated adults, protection against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is mediated by natural anti-capsular polysaccharide antibody. We hypothesized that non-vaccinated adults with CRF lack protective antibody against Hib, but may respond to the pediatric Hib vaccine.