Enteric vaccines for pediatric use. Workshop summary

Richard I Walker1, Lillian L Van De Verg, Robert H Hall

  • 1Division of Bacterial, Parasitic and Allergenic Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 1401 Rockville Pike (HFM-425), Rockville, MD 20851-1448, USA. walkerri@cber.fda.gov

Vaccine
|November 16, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Developing enteric vaccines is crucial for reducing child mortality from diarrheal diseases in less developed countries (LDCs). A workshop confirmed no major roadblocks exist for creating these vital pediatric vaccines.

Area of Science:

  • Global Health
  • Vaccinology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Diarrheal diseases are a leading cause of mortality in children under five in less developed countries (LDCs).
  • Vaccine development presents a critical near-term strategy to address this global health challenge.

Framework:

  • The workshop focused on critical aspects of enteric vaccine advancement.
  • Key areas included research and development needs, regulatory pathways, and business considerations.
  • Past experiences with enteric vaccine development and implementation were also reviewed.

Implementation:

  • Discussants identified no insurmountable obstacles to progressing enteric vaccine initiatives.
  • The potential exists for successful development and deployment of these vaccines.
  • Adequate support is crucial for realizing the availability of enteric vaccines for children.

Implications:

  • Successful implementation of enteric vaccines could significantly reduce child mortality from diarrheal diseases.
  • This advancement holds promise for improving pediatric health outcomes in resource-limited settings.
  • Further research and investment are warranted to overcome challenges and ensure vaccine accessibility.

Related Concept Videos

Vaccinations01:51

Vaccinations

Overview
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics01:29

Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics

Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.
Vaccine Production01:23

Vaccine Production

Vaccine production involves a sequence of upstream and downstream processes to generate a safe and effective immunological product. It begins with cultivating microorganisms, such as viruses or bacteria, to obtain antigenic material. For viral vaccines, mammalian host cells are grown in bioreactors and subsequently infected with the target virus. The virus replicates within the host cells, which are lysed to release viral particles. This lysate is then clarified through filtration or...
Vaccines01:21

Vaccines

Vaccines are among the most effective tools in preventive medicine, designed to prepare the immune system to recognize and combat infectious agents. By introducing antigens—substances that the immune system identifies as foreign—vaccines stimulate an adaptive immune response that leads to immunological memory. This immunological memory enables the body to mount a faster and more effective response upon future exposures to the actual pathogen.Vaccines can be categorized based on the type of...
Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
Poliomyelitis01:17

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...