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Vaccine against common stomach bug could arrive in 4 years
Written By Rachael Rettner
Published February 20, 2012
MyHealthNewsDaily
Reuters
Scientists are getting closer to producing a vaccine against norovirus ? the number one cause of foodborne illness in the United States.
Researchers have now tested norovirus vaccines in a limited number of human trials, said Charles Arntzen, co-director of the Center for Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology at Arizona State University. But more studies need to be done in people to garner how effective it is, Arntzen said.
If all goes well, a norovirus vaccine could come to market in the next four to five years, Arntzen said, speaking to reporters here today at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Norovirus causes about 5.5 million cases of foodborne illness in the United States each year, or 58 percent of all foodborne illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Salmonella, on the other hand, causes just 11 percent of cases, the CDC says. The virus can also spread from person to person, and through water. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping.
Although the virus is perhaps best known for causing illnesses that spread on cruise ships, most cases, around 60 percent, occur in long-term care facilities, such as homes for the elderly, said Jan Vinj?, of the CDC.
The vaccine will likely be delivered as a nasal spray, which studies have shown induces a much stronger immune reaction against norovirus than an oral vaccine, Arntzen said.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/...ch-bug-could-arrive-in-4-years/#ixzz1mvzwtOsJ
Written By Rachael Rettner
Published February 20, 2012
MyHealthNewsDaily
Reuters
Scientists are getting closer to producing a vaccine against norovirus ? the number one cause of foodborne illness in the United States.
Researchers have now tested norovirus vaccines in a limited number of human trials, said Charles Arntzen, co-director of the Center for Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology at Arizona State University. But more studies need to be done in people to garner how effective it is, Arntzen said.
If all goes well, a norovirus vaccine could come to market in the next four to five years, Arntzen said, speaking to reporters here today at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Norovirus causes about 5.5 million cases of foodborne illness in the United States each year, or 58 percent of all foodborne illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Salmonella, on the other hand, causes just 11 percent of cases, the CDC says. The virus can also spread from person to person, and through water. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping.
Although the virus is perhaps best known for causing illnesses that spread on cruise ships, most cases, around 60 percent, occur in long-term care facilities, such as homes for the elderly, said Jan Vinj?, of the CDC.
The vaccine will likely be delivered as a nasal spray, which studies have shown induces a much stronger immune reaction against norovirus than an oral vaccine, Arntzen said.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/...ch-bug-could-arrive-in-4-years/#ixzz1mvzwtOsJ