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Combating the great mimicker: latest progress in the development of Burkholderia pseudomallei vaccines
Nittaya Khakhum1, Itziar Chapartegui-González1, Alfredo G Torres1,2
1Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston, TX, USA.
Abstract:
Introduction Burkholderia pseudomallei is an environmental intracellular Gram-negative bacterium that causes melioidosis, a severe infectious disease affecting humans and animals. An increase in melioidosis cases worldwide and the high mortality rate of the disease makes it a public health concern. Melioidosis is known as the 'great mimicker' because it presents with a wide range of disease manifestations. B. pseudomallei is naturally resistant to antibiotics and delay in diagnosis leads to ineffective treatment. Furthermore, there is no approved vaccine to prevent melioidosis infection in humans. Therefore, it is a priority to license a vaccine that can be used for both high-risk endemic areas and for biodefense purposes. Areas covered In this review, we have focussed on recent progress in the USA for the development and advancement of lead B. pseudomallei vaccine candidate(s) ready for testing in pre-clinical trials. Those candidates include live-attenuated vaccines, glycoconjugate vaccines, outer-membrane vesicles, and gold nanoparticle vaccines. Expert opinion Side-by-side comparison of the leading B. pseudomallei vaccine candidates will provide important information to further advance studies into pre-clinical trials. The likelihood of any of these current vaccines becoming the selected candidate that will reduce the occurrence of melioidosis worldwide is closer than ever.
Insights
Developing a vaccine for Burkholderia pseudomallei, the cause of melioidosis, is crucial due to increasing global cases and antibiotic resistance. Recent US advancements focus on live-attenuated, glycoconjugate, outer-membrane vesicle, and gold nanoparticle vaccine candidates for pre-clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Vaccinology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Burkholderia pseudomallei causes melioidosis, a severe disease with high mortality and antibiotic resistance.
- Melioidosis is a global public health concern, often misdiagnosed due to varied symptoms.
- There is an urgent need for a melioidosis vaccine for endemic regions and biodefense.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent progress in the USA on developing Burkholderia pseudomallei vaccine candidates.
- To evaluate leading vaccine candidates for their readiness for pre-clinical trials.
- To provide insights for advancing melioidosis vaccine development.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on B. pseudomallei vaccine development.
- Focus on vaccine candidates in the USA.
- Categorization of candidates into live-attenuated, glycoconjugate, outer-membrane vesicles, and gold nanoparticle types.
Main Results:
- Several B. pseudomallei vaccine candidates are advancing towards pre-clinical testing.
- Key candidates include live-attenuated, glycoconjugate, outer-membrane vesicle, and gold nanoparticle vaccines.
- Comparative analysis of these candidates is underway to identify promising options.
Conclusions:
- Progress in vaccine development brings the possibility of reducing melioidosis incidence closer.
- Further pre-clinical studies are essential to validate the efficacy and safety of leading candidates.
- A licensed vaccine could significantly impact melioidosis control globally.
