Progress towards a vaccine for schistosomiasis.
Schistosomiasis continues to be a significant health problem, especially in Africa. While the recent World Health Assembly resolution to apply mass drug treatment of school age children in endemic areas is a very promising development, a preferable long-term solution would be provided by a protective vaccine. Encouragingly, one vaccine, Bilhvax, is in phase II trials. However, there is a danger that momentum towards the goal of developing a vaccine against schistosomiasis is dissipating. This article reviews the current situation in this important area of schistosomiasis research.
Department of Pathobiology, Room 203D, Johnson Pavilion, 3610 Hamilton Walk, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6076, USA. ejpearce@mailmed.upenn.edu
Edward J
EJ
Pearce
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000818:Animals; D000947:Antigens, Helminth / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D012547:Schistosoma / Q000276:immunology; D012552:Schistosomiasis / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014612:Vaccines / Q000276:immunology*
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000947:Antigens, Helminth; D014612:Vaccines