Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia
Advertisement

Scientists Creating Vaccine to Fight Amoeba

by VR Sreeraman on August 4, 2007 at 4:20 PM
Scientists Creating Vaccine to Fight Amoeba

Canadian scientists said Thursday they have made the first animal-tested vaccine against a nasty amoeba that infects 10 percent of the world population and kills 100,000 people each year.

The vaccine against Entamoeba histolytica is a breakthrough, said lead scientist Kris Chadee, because currently "there are no vaccines for any parasite ... we have the first animal tested protective vaccine."

Advertisement

The research is published in the October issue of science journal Infection and Immunity, and is available online.

The vaccine is sprayed into the nose -- a novel, non-invasive and very promising method -- and prompts the body's immune system to arm itself against the parasite, said Chadee.
Advertisement

Entamoeba histolytica is the only amoeba that kills humans. It affects people with poor immune systems causing bloody diarrhea, dehydration and in some cases abscesses on the liver.

It spreads through stools, in contaminated water and food and is found in slums in most developing countries, especially Mexico, Bangladesh, India and southern Africa. It is brought to North America and Europe by travellers and immigrants, said Chadee.

"A lot of kids are being infected and dying on an annual basis," he said, adding that treatment for the disease with a drug called Flagel is both expensive and not tolerated by all patients.

Chadee and his team at the University of Calgary tested their vaccine on gerbils. All those who were vaccinated remained healthy, while the unprotected animals developed abscesses, they said in their report.

The next step, he said, is to test the vaccine on non-human primates. With funding from pharmaceutical companies or a foundation, "we could see clinical trials (in humans) in five years."

Chadee said he would like his vaccine, once its developed, to target the population most at risk, children and poor people in third-world countries.

"That's the problem," he added, "because the pharmaceutical industry in North America and Europe, unless there is a profit margin, tends not to pursue it ... but I'm an optimistic scientist."

Source: AFP
SRM/J
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Research News

New Immunotherapy for Psoriasis & Vitiligo
Scientists identified mechanisms governing immune cells, selectively removing troublemakers to reshape skin immunity. Benefits those with psoriasis, vitiligo.
2050 Forecast: 1.06 Billion Individuals to Face 'Other' Musculoskeletal Disorders
By 2050, an anticipated increase from 494 million cases in 2020 to 1.06 billion people with musculoskeletal disabilities is expected.
Gene Therapies Can Disrupt Gaucher Disease Drug Market
Experts consulted by GlobalData anticipate a significant overhaul in the Gaucher disease scenario because of forthcoming gene therapies in development.
NASH Cases Expected to Hit 26.55 Million in 7MM by 2032
Within the seven major markets, 12% to 20% of diagnosed prevalent NASH cases present severe liver damage (stage 4 liver fibrosis), denoting cirrhosis.
Can Sleep Brain Waves Defend Against Epileptic Activity?
Memory deficits in individuals with epilepsy, especially cognitive difficulties, might partially stem from the transient impairments caused by these slow waves.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Scientists Creating Vaccine to Fight Amoeba Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests