Vaccines for Protecting Infants from Bacterial Causes of Diarrheal Disease

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Vaccinology
• Global Health

Background:

• Diarrheal diseases caused by Shigella, enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), and Campylobacter result in millions of cases annually.
• These enteric pathogens contribute to childhood growth stunting and exhibit increasing antimicrobial resistance.
• A single vaccine against these three pathogens could address a significant portion of the global diarrheal disease burden.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review emerging discoveries for developing a multi-pathogen vaccine against Shigella, ETEC, and Campylobacter.
• To explore vaccine antigen combinations for inducing protective immunity against these enteric pathogens.
• To align vaccine development with WHO preferred product characteristics and facilitate LMIC public health adoption.

Main Methods:

• Review of current scientific literature on Shigella, ETEC, and Campylobacter vaccine development.
• Analysis of potential broadly protective antigens for a combined vaccine formulation.
• Assessment of proposed vaccine combinations against WHO preferred product characteristics.

Main Results:

• Several antigen combinations show promise for a single oral or parenteral vaccine against the target trio.
• The proposed vaccine strategies align with WHO preferred product characteristics for ETEC and Shigella vaccines.
• Development of broadly protective antigens is key for efficient and cost-effective multi-pathogen vaccine creation.

Conclusions:

• A multi-pathogen vaccine against Shigella, ETEC, and Campylobacter holds significant potential for reducing global diarrheal disease.
• Such a vaccine could improve child health, cognitive development, and economic productivity in LMICs.
• This approach facilitates vaccine development, supports Gavi funding, and promotes widespread public health uptake.