Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that can cause severe illnesses and infections in humans. While antibiotics have helped curb many bacterial diseases, some bacteria have evolved resistance to drugs. Vaccines play a key role in preventing bacterial infections and saving millions of lives globally each year.
Streptococcus pneumoniae Vaccines
Streptococcus pneumoniae, commonly known as pneumococcus, is a major cause of pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis infections worldwide. Pneumococcal vaccines protect against this bacterium:
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV):
– The PCV Vaccine was introduced in 2000 and protects against 13 strains of pneumococcus.
– It is routinely recommended for all children under 2 years of age.
– It has been highly effective in reducing invasive pneumococcal disease in children by over 90% in countries with high vaccine uptake.
Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV):
– The PPV vaccine introduced in 1977 protects against 23 strains.
– It is recommended for adults over 65 and those with certain medical conditions.
– Both PCV and PPV vaccines have saved thousands of lives each year from pneumococcal infections.
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis Vaccines
Diphtheria causes severe breathing problems, while tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) can be life-threatening especially in young children. Combined vaccines for these diseases include:
– Daptacel and Infanrix vaccines for children contain diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis antigens.
– Adacel and Boostrix are boosters recommended during pre-adolescence and adulthood.
– High immunization coverage has virtually eliminated these diseases from many countries including the US and Europe.
Meningococcal Vaccines
Neisseria meningitidis bacteria can cause life-threatening meningitis (infection of the lining around the brain) and sepsis. Meningococcal vaccines include:
– Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) protects against 4 serogroups A, C, W, and Y. It is recommended for all adolescents.
– Meningococcal serogroup B vaccine (MenB) protects against serogroup B which causes most US cases. It is recommended for adolescents and young adults.
– Together these vaccines have significantly reduced N. meningitidis infections in countries with national programs.
Typhoid Vaccine
Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi bacteria, is a major health issue in many developing nations with limited access to clean water. The typhoid vaccines are:
Oral Ty21a vaccine:
– It uses an attenuated (weakened) live strain of S. Typhi.
– It requires 4 doses over a period of time to achieve sufficient protection.
– It provides around 50-60% protection that lasts for 3-5 years.
Injectable Vi polysaccharide vaccine:
– It is a single-dose vaccine using capsular polysaccharide of S. Typhi.
– It offers around 60-70% protection for 2-3 years mainly against severe illness from the disease.
Both oral and injectable typhoid vaccines have helped control typhoid outbreaks, especially in areas where the disease burden is high. Ongoing research is improving typhoid vaccine effectiveness and duration.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). If untreated, it can become chronic and increase risk of liver cancer or cirrhosis later in life.
– The hepatitis B vaccine was the first vaccine against a major human cancer and is over 90% effective in preventing HBV infection.
– It is given as a 3-dose series to provide long-term protection and is recommended for all infants and children in the US.
– Globally, Hepatitis B vaccination programs have reduced new infections significantly.
Bacterial vaccines have revolutionized public health by offering direct protection to individuals and also indirect herd immunity benefits. Continued research and expanded immunization programs are needed to guard humanity against other emerging bacterial diseases as well. With concerted global efforts, many more lives can be spared from vaccine-preventable bacterial infections.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
