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Clostridium difficile and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: emerging concepts in vaccine development
David C Kaslow1, John W Shiver
1Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co. Inc., North Wales, Pennsylvania 19454, USA. david_kaslow@merck.com
Annual Review of Medicine
|August 17, 2010
Summary
Emerging Clostridium difficile and Staphylococcus aureus epidemics impact all ages. This review explores new immunization strategies against these increasingly virulent bacterial pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Clostridium difficile and Staphylococcus aureus asymptomatically colonize humans, especially infants.
- Current epidemics of C. difficile and S. aureus infections are increasing.
- These pathogens exhibit enhanced virulence, spreading beyond hospitals to communities and affecting younger, healthier individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review emerging concepts for active and passive immunization interventions.
- To address the reemergence of C. difficile and S. aureus bacterial pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current epidemiological trends.
- Analysis of emerging virulence factors.
- Exploration of novel immunization strategies.
Main Results:
- C. difficile and S. aureus are significant public health concerns due to dynamic epidemiology and increased virulence.
- Pathogen spread has expanded from healthcare settings to communities, affecting diverse age groups.
- Emerging concepts in immunization are crucial for combating these reemerging threats.
Conclusions:
- Active and passive immunization strategies are vital for controlling C. difficile and S. aureus infections.
- Understanding evolving virulence and epidemiology is key to developing effective interventions.
- Future research should focus on novel approaches to combat these persistent bacterial pathogens.
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