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Updated: Dec 21, 2025
A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
Published on: November 16, 2016
A Vaccine Against Group B Streptococcus: Recent Advances
Clara Carreras-Abad1,2, Laxmee Ramkhelawon1, Paul T Heath1
1Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group and Vaccine Institute, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK.
Insights
Group B streptococcus (GBS) vaccines for pregnant women are a priority. Research is focusing on serocorrelates of protection and protein vaccines to prevent GBS infant disease.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pediatrics
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Group B streptococcus (GBS) poses a significant global health burden, particularly for neonates and infants.
- Preventing GBS through maternal vaccination is a World Health Organization (WHO) priority.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore alternative pathways for Group B streptococcus vaccine licensure.
- To advance the development of GBS vaccines for maternal immunization.
Main Methods:
- Investigating serocorrelates of protection in natural immunity studies.
- Evaluating the potential of serotype-specific polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines.
- Assessing the promise of protein vaccines for broad GBS protection.
Main Results:
- Phase III clinical trials for conjugate vaccines require large participant numbers.
- Serocorrelates of protection offer an alternative licensure pathway.
- Protein vaccines show promise for serotype-independent protection.
Conclusions:
- Further epidemiological, immunological, and health economic studies are crucial.
- Accelerating GBS vaccine development is essential to protect infants.
- Maternal vaccination is a key strategy to reduce neonatal GBS disease burden.
Abstract:
Group B streptococcus (GBS) causes a high burden of neonatal and infant disease globally. Implementing a vaccine for pregnant women is a promising strategy to prevent neonatal and infant GBS disease and has been identified as a priority by the World Health Organisation (WHO). GBS serotype-specific polysaccharide - protein conjugate vaccines are at advanced stages of development, but a large number of participants would be required to undertake Phase III clinical efficacy trials. Efforts are therefore currently focused on establishing serocorrelates of protection in natural immunity studies as an alternative pathway for licensure of a GBS vaccine, followed by Phase IV studies to evaluate safety and effectiveness. Protein vaccines are in earlier stages of development but are highly promising as they might confer protection irrespective of serotype. Further epidemiological, immunological and health economic studies are required to enable the vaccine to reach its target population as soon as possible.
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