Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2025
Opsono-Adherence Assay to Evaluate Functional Antibodies in Vaccine Development Against Bacillus anthracis and Other Encapsulated Pathogens
Published on: May 19, 2020
Vaccines for Streptococcus agalactiae: current status and future perspectives
João Matheus Sobral Pena1, Pamella Silva Lannes-Costa1, Prescilla Emy Nagao1
1Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Physiology of Streptococci, Institute of Biology Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Rio de Janeiro State University - UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Insights
Maternal vaccines for preventing invasive *Streptococcus agalactiae* infections in newborns are advancing. Key considerations include vaccine safety, cost, and efficacy, particularly in low-income nations.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Vaccinology
- Neonatal Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Invasive *Streptococcus agalactiae* (Group B Strep) infection poses a significant threat to newborns.
- Maternal vaccination during pregnancy is a promising strategy to confer passive immunity to infants.
- Current vaccine development focuses on polysaccharide conjugates and protein-based antigens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the landscape of maternal vaccines against *Streptococcus agalactiae* currently in development.
- To identify and discuss critical concerns including safety, cost, and efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of ongoing clinical trials and preclinical studies for maternal Group B Strep vaccines.
- Analysis of reported safety data, immunogenicity, and placental antibody transfer.
- Examination of economic factors and implementation challenges in diverse healthcare settings.
Main Results:
- Multiple vaccine candidates, including polysaccharide-protein conjugates and novel protein-based vaccines, are progressing.
- Safety remains a primary concern, necessitating rigorous clinical evaluation.
- Efficacy and cost-effectiveness are crucial for global accessibility, especially in resource-limited regions.
Conclusions:
- Maternal immunization represents a vital strategy to combat neonatal invasive *Streptococcus agalactiae* disease.
- Addressing safety, cost, and efficacy concerns is paramount for successful vaccine implementation worldwide.
- Further research and development are needed to ensure equitable access to protective vaccines for all newborns.
Abstract:
A maternal vaccine to protect newborns against invasive Streptococcus agalactiae infection is a developing medical need. The vaccine should be offered during the third trimester of pregnancy and induce strong immune responses and placental transfer of protective antibodies. Polysaccharide vaccines against S. agalactiae conjugated to protein carriers are in advanced stages of development. Additionally, protein-based vaccines are also in development, showing great promise as they can provide protection regardless of serotype. Furthermore, safety concerns regarding a new vaccine are the main barriers identified. Here, we present vaccines in development and identified safety, cost, and efficacy concerns, especially in high-need, low-income countries.
