Taking on Typhoid: Eliminating Typhoid Fever as a Global Health Problem

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Typhoid fever remains a major global health challenge, particularly in regions lacking adequate water and sanitation infrastructure.
• Progress in understanding disease burden and surveillance tools, including environmental monitoring, has been made through international collaboration.
• Two typhoid conjugate vaccines (TCVs) are now prequalified by the WHO, with more in development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and duration of protection offered by typhoid conjugate vaccines (TCVs).
• To assess the potential of TCVs in combating antimicrobial resistance associated with typhoid fever.
• To advocate for accelerated TCV introduction in high-burden regions.

Main Methods:

• Conducted multiple TCV efficacy trials in countries endemic for typhoid fever.
• Monitored vaccine safety, particularly in young children.
• Assessed the durability of protection conferred by TCVs.

Main Results:

• TCVs demonstrated a high degree of protection against typhoid fever.
• Vaccines were found to be safe for use in young children.
• Data suggest TCVs provide lasting protection and can help address antimicrobial resistance.

Conclusions:

• Typhoid conjugate vaccines are a safe and effective tool for typhoid fever prevention.
• Sustained investment in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) coupled with rapid TCV rollout is essential for typhoid elimination.
• Accelerating TCV introduction in high-burden areas is a critical next step for global health initiatives.