Vaccine Against Melioidosis is Underway

In the recent spikes of random melioidosis cases globally, a vaccine is being devised to put an end to its slowly increasing numbers. This modified version of the contagious bacterium is being used to aid the immune response created by the host cells. The technique of making this vaccine is the same as the vaccines created for anthrax, plague and tularemia. Tularemia is a type of fever that affects rodents and rabbits.

To study how effective the vaccine is when it comes to the route of infection, they chose mice, sensitized to B. pseudomallei about 10 to 100 times, through the intranasal way, they were given immunity. On a duration of four weeks, they were administered three doses of the vaccine. Four weeks afterwards, they were administered a lethal dose of B. pseudomallei.

The results were held up in comparison to the control group, known as the ‘false’ immunisation. They were also compared to mice who had the new vaccine via an injection under the skin. Then at last, they put up the vaccine against an existing vaccine. Again, comparing the results to a control group under the melioidosis vaccine, that is considered effective but is not suitable for human use.

For it to traverse to humans for testing, the clinical trials proving for safety and efficacy for pneumonic melioidosis need to take place. The efficacy of the vaccine is required to be tested in other animals as well. If it does get passed, the researchers shall also assess the effects of it on the subcutaneous infection of B. pseudomallei and would also be put up against Burkholderia mallei.

This study was carried out by UCLA researchers. There is also fear that this toxic microbe can be used as a bio-weapon. It is also capable of causing death by pneumonia. This vaccine seems be promising when it comes to the inhabitants of endemic regions, travellers and military groups as this can decrease the risk of infection.

Nivea Vaz

Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara