The capsule of Haemophilus influenzae type b is composed of

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Multiple Choice

The capsule of Haemophilus influenzae type b is composed of

Explanation:
Haemophilus influenzae type b has a capsule that is a polysaccharide made of polyribitol phosphate, i.e., repeating ribitol phosphate units. This capsule acts as a key virulence factor, helping the bacterium resist phagocytosis and cause invasive disease. It also underpins the Hib vaccine, which uses this polymer (usually conjugated to a protein to boost the immune response in infants). The capsule is not composed of lipopolysaccharide, a protein capsule, or a glycolipid capsule, making polyribitol phosphate the correct description.

Haemophilus influenzae type b has a capsule that is a polysaccharide made of polyribitol phosphate, i.e., repeating ribitol phosphate units. This capsule acts as a key virulence factor, helping the bacterium resist phagocytosis and cause invasive disease. It also underpins the Hib vaccine, which uses this polymer (usually conjugated to a protein to boost the immune response in infants). The capsule is not composed of lipopolysaccharide, a protein capsule, or a glycolipid capsule, making polyribitol phosphate the correct description.

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