Leprosy--in pursuit of a vaccine.
Clinical leprosy is characterized by varying manifestations between tuberculoid and lepromatous leprosy. In the former state the patient is able to elicit a cell-mediated immune response whereas in the latter, there is usually a humoral response. An understanding of this immunological balance is crucial in the search for a vaccine which will control the disease. The development of a possible anti-Mycobacterium leprae vaccine has been advanced by the isolation of organisms from the infected tissues of the nine-banded armadillo, Dasypus novemcinctus; 125 000 doses can be prepared from one animal. In addition, recent studies on the biochemical activities of these organisms may provide the knowledge required to allow cultivation on a laboratory medium. Eventually it may be possible to produce a combined leprosy:tuberculosis vaccine for use in those parts of the world where both diseases are prevalent.
D001428:Bacterial Vaccines; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D007918:Leprosy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000266:history / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D009166:Mycobacterium leprae / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*
D001428:Bacterial Vaccines