Vaccine development against bacteria

Another example that can be included in the subunit vaccine class is the use of bacterial toxoids. Many bacteria produce toxins which play an important role in the development of the disease caused by a particular organism. Thus, vaccines against some agents, for example tetanus and diphtheria, consist of the toxin inactivated with formaldehyde conjugated to an adjuvant. Immunization protects from disease by stimulating antitoxin antibody which neutralizes the effects of the toxin. 

Otitis Media. Otitis media is thought to be caused by several bacteria, significantly S. pneumoniae, nontypable H. influenza. and Moraxella ccitarrhaiis. Viruses such as influenza, RSV. and PIV may also play a role in the disease. The use of a pneumococcal vaccine is die first step in the development of an otitis media vaccine. Vaccines against nontypable H. influenza and Moraxella are at the development stages. Both vaccine candidates are derived from the exposed proteins of the bacteria. 

Capsular polysaccharides (CPS) and lipopolysaccharides from bacteria are employed for the production of vaccines against human diseases. Initial development of CPS as a vaccine was followed by the development and introduction of conjugate polysaccharide-protein vaccines. The principles leading to both developments are reviewed. 

Newer, acellular vaccines, which contain only pieces of the disease-causing bacteria, have been developed in the search for a safer means of immunizing against pertussis (239). 

As with emphysema, measures should also be readily initiated to clear up any concomitant bronchial infection with a 7- to 10-day course of antibiotics, such as tetracycline or ampicillin. Infections can usually be associated with the presence of pathogenic bacteria such as Haemophilus influenza or Streptococcus pnemonia however, microscopic examination and sputum cultures may be necessary if the concomitant infection fails to respond to the usual antibiotics. After the acute stages of infection have subsided, preventive measures such as yearly vaccinations against common influenza virus strains should be instituted. The patient should also be supplied with a 7- to 10-day supply of antibiotics to keep at home and utilize at the first sign of the development of subsequent infections. 

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