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.
Pearce
Edward J
EJ
Department of Pathobiology, Room 203D, Johnson Pavilion, 3610 Hamilton Walk, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6076, USA. ejpearce@mailmed.upenn.edu
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