Crimean fever vaccine unveiled

Friday March 14th, 2014

A novel vaccine against Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus has been unveiled by scientists at Public Health England (PHE).

The vaccine – described as a “significant breakthrough” – is the first to provide 100% protection against a CCHF, in an experimental model in mice.

Revealing the breakthrough in PLoS ONE, the PHE research team says the experimental vaccine uses a friendly virus to present the components of CCHF virus and induce a protective immune response to the disease.

Professor Miles Carroll, a deputy director and head of research at microbiology services at PHE said: “This is a significant breakthrough and demonstrates the potential to develop a publically available vaccine against Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.

“Viruses don’t have borders. Our work on CCHF not only demonstrates our commitment to the health of the UK, but also our scientists desire to combat infections worldwide.”

CCHF, which is usually transmitted by a tick bite but can also be spread through contact with infected patients or animals, is endemic in many African countries as well as the Middle East, Asia and Eastern Europe. Since 2001 new outbreaks have been reported in tourist areas, including Greece, India and Pakistan.

Professor Roger Hewson, a scientific leader at PHE said: “This report provides the first demonstration of protection by a CCHF vaccine, in a model system. The current data look promising and represent progress in the search for a medical intervention that can be used to protect against CCHF.”

Buttgieg K et al. A Novel Vaccine against Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Protects 100% of Animals against Lethal Challenge in a Mouse Model. PLoS ONE. March 2014. 9(3): e91516. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0091516

Tags: Africa | Asia | Europe | Flu & Viruses | UK News

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