Researchers say they might have positive news for the many adults and children who have endured the pain of strep throat infections .
Developing a vaccine to prevent group A streptococcal infections has been a goal for most researchers for more than 70 years. Group A streptococcus is responsible for a variety of health problems -- strep throat and skin infections being the most common.The vaccine trial included 28 adults between 18 and 50 years old. Each volunteer received three injections of 50 micrograms, 100 micrograms, or 200 micrograms of vaccine. Researchers found the 200-microgram dose given on day zero, 28 and 112 appears to be capable of inducing immune responses that are likely to give protection against multiple strains of the virus.
Thus researchers say their findings although based on a small number of participants, suggest that in the full dose range tested, the vaccine appears safe and well tolerated and does not evoke antibodies that cross-react with human tissue. However researchers say there is a need to conduct large prelicensure trials involving 10,000 to 60,000 participants to provide assurance that rare adverse events are not associated with vaccination .
