Vaccines for Perinatal and Congenital Infections-How Close Are We?

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Vaccinology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Congenital and perinatal infections pose significant risks, causing stillbirth, lifelong disabilities, and pediatric morbidities.
• Existing vaccines prevent only a few such infections (rubella, varicella, hepatitis B), necessitating broader vaccine development.
• These infections impact individuals' quality of life and place a substantial burden on healthcare systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review progress in vaccine development for key congenital and perinatal infections.
• To assess the current status and future needs for vaccines against Cytomegalovirus, Group B Streptococcus, Herpes simplex virus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Toxoplasma, Syphilis, and Zika virus.
• To synthesize evidence on the proximity and challenges in developing these crucial vaccines.

Main Methods:

• Review of observational studies on disease natural history and epidemiological risk factors.
• Analysis of immunogen design and preclinical research in animal models.
• Evaluation of promising vaccine candidates in clinical trials.

Main Results:

• Significant research efforts are underway for vaccines targeting Cytomegalovirus, Group B Streptococcus, Herpes simplex virus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Toxoplasma, Syphilis, and Zika virus.
• Progress includes advancements in understanding natural history, identifying risk factors, and preclinical/clinical evaluations.
• While some vaccines are nearing development, many challenges remain across the spectrum of targeted infections.

Conclusions:

• Vaccine development for congenital and perinatal infections is a critical area of ongoing research.
• Substantial progress has been made, but further research is needed to overcome existing hurdles.
• Developing effective vaccines is essential to mitigate the severe health consequences and lifelong disabilities associated with these infections.