VisMederi Group is pleased to announce the publication of our latest collaborative research with GlaxoSmithKline’s Vaccine Global Health Institute (GVGH) in Frontiers in Immunology. This study addresses a critical challenge in global health: the prevention and control of enteric fever caused by Salmonella Paratyphi A, a pathogen associated with significant disease burden in several regions, particularly in Asia.
Enteric fever affects millions worldwide, with Salmonella Paratyphi A responsible for approximately 28% of cases. Recent data highlight an increasing incidence of S. Paratyphi A infections, especially in regions such as India, Nepal, and China, where up to 35%–60% of enteric fever cases can be attributed to this pathogen. Additionally, the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains has raised concerns, underscoring the urgent need for effective preventive solutions.
Addressing the Vaccine Gap for S. Paratyphi A
While vaccines against Salmonella Typhi are available and have been widely adopted, an effective vaccine targeting S. Paratyphi A remains a pressing unmet need. The prevalence of multidrug-resistant S. Paratyphi A strains has presented significant challenges to treatment efforts, further emphasizing the necessity of vaccine-based prevention.
Our collaboration with GVGH aims to advance research on this important pathogen and contribute to vaccine development. By developing serological assays, our team sought to establish precise methods to quantify antibodies and assess their ability to combat S. Paratyphi A. This research included two key assay developments:
- Anti-O:2 IgG ELISA – an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) designed to quantify the presence of specific IgG antibodies against S. Paratyphi A antigens.
- Serum Bactericidal Luminescence-Based Assay (L-SBA) – a high-throughput assay to measure the functional capability of antibodies in killing clinical strains of S. Paratyphi A.
These assays represent valuable tools for assessing immunogenic responses in clinical trial participants and for further vaccine efficacy studies. The research offers critical insights into the immunological responses necessary to combat S. Paratyphi A and underscores the potential of antibody-based assays in supporting future vaccine development.
Paving the Way Forward for Enteric Fever Prevention
This study marks a significant step forward in our understanding of S. Paratyphi A and contributes to global efforts aimed at combating enteric fever. Through collaborations such as this, VisMederi Group remains committed to advancing scientific understanding and providing innovative solutions in immunological and public health challenges. The findings of this research bring us closer to an effective vaccine against S. Paratyphi A, a goal that holds promise for reducing the burden of enteric fever globally.
For those interested in further details, the full article is available at Frontiers in Immunology.
