Find new vaccines against chikungunya virus

US scientists have developed a new vaccine capable of fighting chikungunya virus. This is the causative agent of a type of mosquito transmitted by Aedes group.

When infected with a virus, the patient has a sudden high fever, severe pain in the joints of the wrists, hands and feet, making the patient unable to walk straight.

In some cases, bleeding may occur under the skin, especially children. The virus also causes chronic arthritis, affecting the health of millions of people in India, Southeast Asia and Africa.

Chikungunya virus

Speaking in PLoS Pathogens , researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), University of Wisconsin, Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the University of Alabama said, with just one dose of vaccine Only lab rats will be protected from chikungunya viruses that cause infection.

"Everything has now shown that this new vaccine can meet the requirements," said Scott Weaver, Director of Mental Health and principal author of the study. The experimental vaccine is a type of "recombinant DNA vaccine" produced by the genetically altered chikungunya virus.

With the right cost, this vaccine is capable of being produced in large quantities. This is an important factor to limit the heavy effects of chikungunya virus. Visitors can vaccinate before trips to Africa or Asia to prevent chikungunya virus.

UTMB has signed a cooperation agreement with a private company to bring vaccines to market. In addition, the other two partners are also supported by the National Institutes of Health for $ 3 million to complete clinical development steps, enabling human testing.