Status of vaccine research and development for Campylobacter jejuni. Issue 26 (3rd June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Riddle, Mark S.; Guerry, Patricia
• Is Part Of: Vaccine. Volume 34:Issue 26(2016)
• Page Start: 2903
• Page End: 2906
• Publication Date: 2016-06-03
• Subjects: Campylobacter jejuni -- Travelers' diarrhea -- Enteric vaccine development -- Impact assessment; Vaccines -- Periodicals; 615.372
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.02.080
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-410X

Abstract

Highlights: Emerging data reveal a significant global burden of acute and chronic sequelae of Campylobacter jejuni. Advances in diagnostics are needed to understand C. jejuni disease attribution in low- and middle-income countries. A capsule polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccine candidate for C. jejuni has advanced to human clinical testing. More data on C. jejuni epidemiology and disease burden are needed. Abstract: Campylobacter jejuni is one of the leading causes of bacterial diarrhea worldwide and is associated with a number of sequelae, including Guillain–Barre Syndrome, reactive arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome and growth stunting/malnutrition. Vaccine development against C. jejuni is complicated by its antigenic diversity, a lack of small animal models, and a poor understanding of the bacterium's pathogenesis. Vaccine approaches have been limited to recombinant proteins, none of which have advanced beyond Phase I testing. Genomic analyses have revealed the presence of a polysaccharide capsule on C. jejuni. Given the success of capsule-conjugate vaccines for other mucosal pathogens of global importance, efforts to evaluate this established approach for C. jejuni are also being pursued. A prototypical capsule-conjugate vaccine has demonstrated efficacy against diarrheal disease in non-human primates and is currently in Phase I testing. In addition to proof of concept studies, more data on the global prevalence of capsular types, and a better understanding of the acute and chronic consequences of C. jejuni are needed to inform investments for a globally relevant vaccine.