ABSTRACT
Background: Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease caused by the Lassa virus (LASV). It is endemic in West Africa and infects about 300,000 people each year, leading to approximately 5000 deaths annually. The development of the LASV vaccine has been listed as a priority by the World Health Organization since 2018. Considering the accelerated development and availability of vaccines against COVID-19, we set out to assess the prospects of LASV vaccines and the progress made so far. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the progress made on twenty-six vaccine candidates listed by Salami et al. (2019) and searched for new vaccine candidates through Google Scholar, PubMed, and DOAJ from June to July 2021. We searched the articles published in English using keywords that included "vaccine" AND "Lassa fever" OR "Lassa virus" in the title/. Results: Thirty-four candidate vaccines were identified - 26 already listed in the review by Salami et al. and an additional 8, which were developed over the last seven years. 30 vaccines are still in the pre-clinical stage while 4 of them are currently undergoing clinical trials. The most promising candidates in 2019 were vesicular stomatitis virus-vectored vaccine and live-attenuated MV/LASV vaccine;both had progressed to clinical trials. Conclusions: Despite the focus on COVID-19 vaccines since 2020, LASV vaccine is under development and continues to make impressive progress, hence more emphasis should be put into exploring further clinical studies related to the most promising types of vaccines identified.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected public health system and surveillance of other communicable diseases across the globe. The lockdown, travel constraints and COVID phobia turned down the number of people with illness visiting to the clinics or hospitals. Besides this, the heavy workload of SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis has led to the reduction in differential diagnosis of other diseases. Consequently, it added to the underlying burden of many diseases which remained under-diagnosed. Amidst the pandemic, the rise of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases was observed worldwide and reported to the World Health Organization i.e., Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (2022, Iraq;2021 India), Nipah virus (2021, India), Zika virus (2021, India), and H5N1 influenza (2021, India), Monkeypox (2022, multicountry outbreak), Ebola virus disease (2022, DRC, Uganda;2021, DRC, Guinea;2020, DRC), Marburg (2022, Ghana;2021, Guinea), Yellow fever (2022, Uganda, Kenya, West and Central Africa;2021, Ghana, Venezuela, Nigeria;2020, Senegal, Guinea, Nigeria, Gabon;2020, Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda), Dengue (2022, Nepal, Pakistan, Sao Tome, Temor-Leste;2021, Pakistan), Middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus (2022, Oman, Qatar;2021, Saudi Arabia, UAE;2020, Saudi Arabia, UAE), Rift valley fever (2021, Kenya;2020, Mauritania), wild poliovirus type 1 (2022, Mozambique), Lassa fever (2022, Guinea, Togo, Nigeria;2020, Nigeria), Avian Influenza (H3N8) (2022, China), Avian Influenza (H5N1) (2022, USA), H10N3 influenza (2021, China), Hepatitis E virus (2022, Sudan), Measles (2022, Malawi, Afghanistan;2020, Burundi, Mexico), Mayaro virus disease (2020, French Guiana), Oropouche virus disease (2020, French Guiana). All these diseases were associated with high morbidity and burdened the public health system during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this critical public health menace, majority of the laboratory workforce was mobilized to the SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. This has limited the surveillance efforts that likely led to under diagnosis and under-detection of many infectious pathogens. Lockdowns and travel limitations also put a hold on human and animal surveillance studies to assess the prevalence of these zoonotic viruses. In addition, lack of supplies and laboratory personnel and an overburdened workforce negatively impacted differential diagnosis of the diseases. This is especially critical given the common symptoms between COVID-19 and other pathogens causing respiratory illnesses. Additionally, the vaccination programs against various vaccine preventable diseases were also hampered which might have added to the disease burden. Despite these challenges, the world is better prepared to detect and respond to emerging/re-emerging pathogens. India now has more than 3000 COVID-19 diagnostic laboratories and an enhanced hospital infrastructure. In addition, mobile BSL-3 facilities are being validated for onsite sampling and testing in remote areas during outbreak situations and surveillance activities. This will undoubtedly be valuable as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves as well as during future outbreaks and epidemics. In conclusion, an increase in the emergence and re-emergence of viruses demonstrates that other infectious diseases have been neglected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lessons learned from the infrastructure strengthening, collaborations with multiple stakeholders, increased laboratory and manufacturing capacity, large-scale COVID-19 surveillance, extensive network for laboratory diagnosis, and intervention strategies can be implemented to provide quick, concerted responses against the future threats associated with other zoonotic pathogens.
ABSTRACT
Globalization and high-speed means of transportation contribute to the spread of infections dangerous to humans. Airborne pathogens have pandemic potential as currently shown in case of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Natural focal Lassa fever (LF) common in West African countries, in 35 cases was registered in non-endemic geographical areas because any person infected with Lassa virus (LASV) is a long-term source of infection (up to two months). Cases of person-to-person infection in endemic territories are described. In Germany, the facts of secondary virus transmission from patients to doctors have been recorded during the examination and blood collection from an apparently healthy person as well as during the autopsy of a deceased subjects due to severe LF course. Nonspecific malaise symptoms in LF are also characteristic of numerous other diseases common on the African continent, e.g., malaria and typhoid fever or viral infections such as yellow fever, Chikungunya, dengue and Zika, monkey pox and Ebola virus disease. In this regard, there may be similar dermatological manifestations. Timely detection of cases and differential diagnosis are crucial to ensure safe patient care and use of affordable antiviral therapy for LL provided by the drug Ribavirin. Research methods for studying LASV use polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detecting viral RNA, electron microscopy, isolation of infectious virus cultured sensitive cells, indirect immunofluorescence reaction, enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) and immuno-chromatographic assays for the detection of antibodies and/or antigen as well as immunoblotting. Currently, test kits based on molecular and genetic methods are mainly used for LF laboratory diagnostics. Since the 1980s, ribavirin has been used to treat patients with LF. The serum accumulation of the drug in large quantities causes hemolysis, development of anemia and impaired renal function. In this regard, treatment options are being considered with decline in its concentration due to combined use with other antiviral drugs. A search for new therapeutic agents capable of inhibiting viral replication at disease early stage has been in progress due to lack of any approved vaccines.
ABSTRACT
In January 2023, a total of 64 infectious diseases were reported globally, affecting 235 countries and regions. Except for influenza, the top five infectious diseases affecting greatest number of countries and regions were COVID-19 (235), monkeypox (110), dengue fever (31), measles (27) and cholera (15). The top five infectious diseases with highest case fatality rates were Nipah virus disease (62.5%), Ebola virus disease (47.0%), Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (37.5%), Lassa fever (15.1%) and West Nile fever (7.6%). The top five infectious diseases with greatest number of deaths were COVID-19, malaria, cholera, measles and dengue fever. The prevalent infectious diseases in Asia were COVID-19, cholera and dengue fever, the prevalent infectious diseases in Africa were COVID-19, cholera, yellow fever, Lassa fever, malaria and monkeypox, the prevalent infectious diseases in America were COVID-19, cholera, monkeypox, dengue fever and chikungunya fever, the prevalent infectious disease in Europe were COVID-19, monkeypox and invasive group A streptococcus infection.
ABSTRACT
In December 2022, a total of 68 infectious diseases were reported globally, affecting 235 countries and regions. Except for influenza, the top five infectious diseases affecting greatest number of countries and regions were COVID-19 (235), monkeypox (110), dengue fever (28), measles (27) and cholera (14). The top five infectious diseases with highest case fatality rates were Ebola virus disease (47.0%), Rift Valley fever (44.2%), Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (40.0%), Lassa fever (17.6%) and West Nile fever (7.6%). The top five infectious diseases with greatest number of deaths were COVID-19, malaria, cholera, dengue fever and measles. The prevalent infectious diseases in Asia were COVID-19, cholera and dengue fever, the prevalent infectious diseases in Africa were COVID-19, cholera, yellow fever, Lassa fever, monkeypox, malaria and measles, the prevalent infectious diseases in America were COVID-19, cholera, monkeypox, dengue fever and chikungunya fever, the prevalent infectious disease in Europe were COVID-19, monkeypox and invasive group A streptococcus infection.
ABSTRACT
Vaccination is effective in preventing the increase of disease, especially emerging infectious diseases (EIDs), and it is particularly important for people in close contact with infected sources and susceptible populations who are at increased risk of getting infectious diseases due to behavior, occupation or health. Despite targeted vaccination guidelines, inadequate vaccination of the key populations fails to receive widespread attention, resulting in a high-risk transition of disease from key populations to general populations. Strengthening the vaccination of the susceptible groups can effectively block the spread of pathogens to general populations, and reduce the consumption of medical resources in universal vaccination, which has significant economic value. In this review, we describe the prevalence of EIDs, analyze the experience and lessons of infectious disease vaccination in key populations through several cases, and further explore the causes for the decline in vaccination rates of key populations. According to the trends of EIDs, a plan to strengthen the vaccination of key populations is proposed to effectively prevent the transition of EIDs from key populations to general populations.
ABSTRACT
Background: Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease caused by the Lassa virus (LASV). It is endemic in West Africa and infects about 300,000 people each year, leading to approximately 5000 deaths annually. The development of the LASV vaccine has been listed as a priority by the World Health Organization since 2018. Considering the accelerated development and availability of vaccines against COVID-19, we set out to assess the prospects of LASV vaccines and the progress made so far. Material(s) and Method(s): We reviewed the progress made on twenty-six vaccine candidates listed by Salami et al. (2019) and searched for new vaccine candidates through Google Scholar, PubMed, and DOAJ from June to July 2021. We searched the articles published in English using keywords that included "vaccine" AND "Lassa fever" OR "Lassa virus" in the title/. Result(s): Thirty-four candidate vaccines were identified - 26 already listed in the review by Salami et al. and an additional 8, which were developed over the last seven years. 30 vaccines are still in the pre-clinical stage while 4 of them are currently undergoing clinical trials. The most promising candidates in 2019 were vesicular stomatitis virus-vectored vaccine and live-attenuated MV/LASV vaccine;both had progressed to clinical trials. Conclusion(s): Despite the focus on COVID-19 vaccines since 2020, LASV vaccine is under development and continues to make impressive progress, hence more emphasis should be put into exploring further clinical studies related to the most promising types of vaccines identified. Copyright © 2022, African Traditional, Herbal Medicine Supporters Initiative. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Lassa fever (LF) and yellow fever (YF) belong to a group of viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs). These viruses have common features and damages the organs and blood vessels; they also impair the body's homeostasis. Some VHFs cause mild disease, while some cause severe disease and death such as in the case of Ebola or Marburg. LF virus and YF virus are two of the most recent emerging viruses in Africa, resulting in severe hemorrhagic fever in humans. Lassa fever virus is continuously on the rise both in Nigeria and neighboring countries in West Africa, with an estimate of over 500,000 cases of LF, and 5000 deaths, annually. YF virus is endemic in temperate climate regions of Africa, Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador), and South America (such as Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Chile) with an annual estimated cases of 200,000 and 30,000 deaths globally. This review examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the trend in epidemiology of these two VHFs to delineate responses that are associated with protective or pathogenic outcomes.
ABSTRACT
The earliest cases of COVID-19 disease in Africa were, in most cases, the result of imports from abroad. The Democratic republic of the Congo (DRC) identified the first case at the beginning of 2020. Two days after his return from France, the first patient was tested positively in the capital, Kinshasa. The travel restrictions and status of the state of emergency were announced on 24 March 2020. A lockdown followed. In June of the same year, 11 provinces were already affected by COVID-19 disease. The negative socio-economic impact has occurred and is similar to that in any other country. The DRC does not differ from other African countries or on the issue of infectious diseases such as HIV, malaria, cholera, measles or Ebola virus disease. Recurring Ebola epidemics are addressed by vaccination with Ervebo vaccine. Unlike Ebola, part of the population does not believe in the existence of SARS-CoV-2 and does not respect basic anti-epidemic measures. Medical capacities were very limited at the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic, both in terms of diagnosis and testing and availability of treatment (60 ventilators to 83 million inhabitants). The situation is complicated as a result of 20 years continuing wars. Another African country, Guinea, is currently facing not only COVID-19, but also the zoonotic disease of Lassa fever, which has been detected in several patients. Copyright © 2021, Medakta s.r.o.. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
In May 2022, a total of 66 infectious diseases were reported globally, affecting 233 countries and regions. Except for influenza, the top five infectious diseases affecting greatest number of countries and regions were COVID-19 (233), monkeypox (36), dengue fever (31), measles (24) and cholera (11). The top five infectious diseases with highest case fatality rates were Ebola virus disease (100.0%), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (34.4%), Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (22.2%), Lassa fever (19.8%) and monkeypox (4.0%). The top five infectious diseases with greatest number of deaths were COVID-19, malaria, cholera, dengue fever and measles. The prevalent infectious diseases in Asia were COVID-19, dengue fever and cholera, the prevalent infectious diseases in Africa were COVID-19, Ebola virus disease, cholera, yellow fever, Lassa fever, malaria and monkeypox, the prevalent infectious diseases in America were COVID-19, dengue fever, chikungunya fever and Zika virus disease, the prevalent infectious disease in Europe were COVID-19, monkeypox and acute hepatitis of unknown aetiology.
ABSTRACT
Globalization and high-speed means of transportation contribute to the spread of infections dangerous to humans. Airborne pathogens have pandemic potential as currently shown in case of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Natural focal Lassa fever (LF) common in West African countries, in 35 cases was registered in non-endemic geographical areas because any person infected with Lassa virus (LASV) is a long-term source of infection (up to two months). Cases of person-to-person infection in endemic territories are described. In Germany, the facts of secondary virus transmission from patients to doctors have been recorded during the examination and blood collection from an apparently healthy person as well as during the autopsy of a deceased subjects due to severe LF course. Nonspecific malaise symptoms in LF are also characteristic of numerous other diseases common on the African continent, e.g., malaria and typhoid fever or viral infections such as yellow fever, Chikungunya, dengue and Zika, monkey pox and Ebola virus disease. In this regard, there may be similar dermatological manifestations. Timely detection of cases and differential diagnosis are crucial to ensure safe patient care and use of affordable antiviral therapy for LL provided by the drug Ribavirin. Research methods for study ing LASV use polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detecting viral RNA, electron microscopy, isolation of infectious virus cultured sensitive cells, indirect immunofluorescence reaction, enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) and immunochromatographic assays for the detection of antibodies and/or antigen as well as immunoblotting. Currently, test kits based on molecular and genetic methods are mainly used for LF laboratory diagnostics. Since the 1980s, ribavirin has been used to treat patients with LF. The serum accumulation of the drug in large quantities causes hemolysis, development of anemia and impaired renal function. In this regard, treatment options are being considered with decline in its concentration due to combined use with other antiviral drugs. A search for new therapeutic agents capable of inhibiting viral replication at disease early stage has been in progress due to lack of any approved vaccines. (English) [ FROM AUTHOR] Глобализация и скоростные средства передвижения способствуют распространению инфекций, опасных для человека. Патогены, передаваемые воздушно-капельным путем, обладают пандемическим потенциалом, как в настоящее время показано на примере нового коронавируса SARS-CoV-2. Природно-очаговая лихорадка Ласса (ЛЛ), распространенная в странах западной Африки, в 35 случаях была зарегистрирована на неэндемичных географических районах, так как человек, инфицированный вирусом Ласса (Lassa virus, LASV), является источником инфекции длительное время (до двух месяцев). На эндемичных территориях описаны случаи заражения при передаче вируса «от человека к человеку». В Германии зафиксированы факты вторичной передачи вируса от пациентов врачам при осмотре и взятии крови у внешне здорового человека, а также при вскрытии погибшего в результате тяжелого течения ЛЛ. Неспецифические симптомы недомогания при ЛЛ характерны и для других многочисленных заболеваний, распространенных на африканском континенте, например, при малярии и брюшном тифе или при вирусных инфекциях - это желтая лихорадка, лихорадки Чикунгунья, денге и Зика, оспа обезьян и болезнь, вызванная вирусом Эбола. При протекании этих болезней могут быть и схожие дерматологические проявления. Своевременное выявление заболевших и дифференциальная диагностика имеют решающее значение для обеспечения безопасного ухода за пациентами и применения доступной противовирусной терапии (при ЛЛ это препарат рибавирин). Методы научных исследований LASV включают: анализы на основе полимеразной цепной реакции (ПЦР) по определению вирусной РНК, электронную микроскопию, выделение инфекционного вируса на культуре чувствительных клеток, реакцию непрямой иммунофлуоресценции (РНИФ), иммуноферментный (ИФА) и иммунохроматографический (ИХА) анализы по выявлению антител и/или антигена, а также иммуноблоттинг. Для диагностики ЛЛ в настоящее время, в основном, используют тест-системы на основе молекулярно-генетических методов. С 80-х гг. XX в. и до сих пор для лечения пациентов с ЛЛ используют рибавирин, но накопление этого препарата в плазме в больших количествах вызывает гемолиз, развитие анемии и нарушение функции почек. В связи с этим рассматриваются варианты лечения при уменьшении его концентрации за счет сочетанного использования с другими противовирусными препаратами. Идет поиск новых терапевтических средств, способных ингибировать вирусную репликацию на ранней стадии болезни, так как зарегистрированные вакцины отсутствуют. (Russian) [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Russian Journal of Infection & Immunity is the property of National Electronic-Information Consortium and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Liberia is endemic to Lassa fever (LF) and has the largest reported per capita incidence of LF patients in the West African region. Cases of the disease increased unprecedentedly in 2019 and 2020, characterized by a geographical drift in epidemiology and seasonal variation of occurrence. This study aims to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of LF in Liberia from 2019 to 2020. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on cases of LF confirmed at the National Public Health Reference Laboratory from January 2019 to December 2020. Medical records were reviewed, and epidemiological and clinical data were collected in an organized manner. Descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out using Epi Info (version 7.2.5.0). RESULTS: A total of 382 suspected LF cases were reported, of which 103 were laboratory-confirmed, yielding a case positivity rate of 27% (103/382). The median age of the LF cases was 20 (IQR: 9-30). Children younger than 18 years accounted for 40.8% (42/103) of the cases and healthcare workers' cases constituted 7.7% of the cases. Bong, Nimba, and Grand Bass accounted for 87.4% of the cases with cases in new counties like Lofa, Margibi, and Grand Kru. Hemorrhage (aOR:10.2; 95% CI: 3.11-33.81), patients who did not receive ribavirin (aOR: 4.4; 95% CI: 1.12-17.57, P = 0.034), and patients aged 40 years or older (aOR: 6.2; 95% CI: 1.19-32.53, P = 0.049) were associated with LF mortality. CONCLUSION: The LF cases in 2019 and 2020 had a high case fatality rate and spread to new counties that had not previously reported LF. The disease occurred during most of the rainy season instead of the usual dry season. There is an urgent need to lower morbidity and mortality, improve early presentation to the hospital, and early initiation of appropriate medical care.
Subject(s)
Lassa Fever , Child , Humans , Lassa Fever/epidemiology , Lassa virus , Liberia/epidemiology , Public Health , Retrospective Studies , RibavirinABSTRACT
In March 2022, a total of 63 infectious diseases were reported globally, affecting 230 countries and regions. Except for influenza, the top five infectious diseases affecting greatest number of countries and regions were COVID-19 (230), dengue fever (32), measles (29), chikungunya fever (10) and cholera (9). The top five infectious diseases with highest case fatality rates were Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (33.3%), Rift Valley fever (20.0%), Lassa fever (18.6%), yellow fever (11.3%) and monkeypox (5.5%). The top five infectious diseases with greatest number of deaths were COVID-19, malaria, measles, cholera and Lassa fever. The prevalent infectious diseases in Asia were COVID-19 and dengue fever, the prevalent infectious diseases in Africa were COVID-19, cholera, yellow fever, Lassa fever, malaria, measles and poliomyelitis, the prevalent infectious diseases in America were COVID-19, dengue fever and chikungunya fever, the prevalent infectious disease in Europe was COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
Background: In the last five years, more than 72% of annual Lassa fever cases in Nigeria occurred between January and May, commonly referred to as LF high transmission season. However, 281 LF cases were reported within this period in 2021, significantly lower than 1027 cases reported in 2020. It is generally proposed that the low LF cases may be due to the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic. This study aims to determine possible relationship between Lassa fever and COVID-19 surveillance in Nigeria between January and May 2021 Methods: The 2020 and 2021 data for LF and COVID-19 January to May were analyzed (2017-2021). Case counts were compared across states reporting confirmed cases for both diseases. Number of suspected cases and test positivity rate were used as a proxy for suspicion. Relationship between suspected and confirmed COVID-19 and LF cases in the 14 states that reported confirmed LF cases between January and May 2021 was determined using Spearman correlation coefficient and test of significance was conducted Results: There was a 42.8% reduction in the number of suspected LF cases in 2021 compared to 2020 in the 14 states that reported confirmed cases in 2021. However, a test positivity rate of 22.3% was recorded in 2020 compared to 15.1% recorded in 2021. There was a moderate positive correlation (r =0.473, p value = 0.103) between number of suspected LF and COVID-19 cases in the 14 states, but almost no correction (r=0.017, p value = 0.957) between number of confirmed LF and COVID-19 cases. Conclusion: Suspicion for LF seems to increase with increasing suspicion for COVID-19 although cumulate cases were lower than previous years. The low positivity rate for LF in 2021 suggests lower LF transmission in 2021 compared to 2020. The low number of suspected and confirmed cases may be reflective of reality and LF surveillance may not have been adversely affected by COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, the need to explore the factors responsible for the reduction in 2021 LF cases.
ABSTRACT
In January 2022, a total of 68 infectious diseases were reported globally, affecting 228 countries and regions. Except for influenza, the top five infectious diseases affecting greatest number of countries and regions were corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19, 228), dengue fever (26), measles (19), cholera (12) and leptospirosis (10). The top five infectious diseases with highest case fatality rates were Rift Valley fever (100.0%), Lassa fever (19.0%), yellow fever (15.5%), plague (7.5%) and West Nile fever (7.1%). The top five infectious diseases with greatest number of deaths were COVID-19, malaria, measles, Lassa fever and cholera. The prevalent infectious diseases in Asia were COVID-19 and dengue fever, the prevalent infectious diseases in Africa were COVID-19, cholera, yellow fever, Lassa fever, malaria and measles, the prevalent infectious diseases in America were COVID-19, dengue fever and chikungunya fever, the prevalent infectious disease in Europe was COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
In December 2021, a total of 64 infectious diseases were reported globally, affecting 228 countries and regions. Except for influenza, the top five infectious diseases affecting greatest number of countries and regions were corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19, 228), measles (29), dengue fever (28), cholera (12) and chikungunya fever (9). The top five infectious diseases with highest case fatality rates were Ebola virus disease (81.8%), Middle East respiratory syndrome (34.4%), yellow fever (22.0%), Lassa fever (20.0%) and plague (10.8%). The top five infectious diseases with greatest number of deaths were COVID-19, malaria, measles, dengue fever and cholera. The prevalent infectious diseases in Asia were COVID-19 and dengue fever, the prevalent infectious diseases in Africa were COVID-19, cholera, yellow fever, plague, Lassa fever, poliomyelitis, malaria and measles, the prevalent infectious diseases in America were COVID-19, dengue fever, chikungunya fever and Zika virus disease, the prevalent infectious disease in Europe was COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
Lassa virus (LASV) is a highly prevalent pathogen in West Africa, including Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Nigeria. The virus causes 100,000 to 300,000 infections per year, which lead to approximately 5,000 deaths annually. Lassa fever is currently on the WHO R and D Blueprint list of epidemic threats needing urgent R and D action, and therefore there is an unmet need for an effective LASV vaccine, especially one that prevents Service Members from becoming ill from epidemic disease exposure during operational deployments. The innovative vaccine technology used in this funded project was developed based on mRNA modified by incorporation of pseudouridin, which dramatically minimizes the indiscriminate activation of innate immune sensing and increases translation by an order of magnitude. This revolutionary technology was used by Moderna Therapeutics, the partner in this project, for the development of highly effective vaccines against influenza virus, rabies, HIV, Zika virus and SARS-CoV-2;the influenza and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines have been tested recently in clinical trials. Dr. Bukreyev and Moderna have designed and tested two Ebola virus modified mRNA-based vaccines encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNP), which induced neutralizing antibodies in immunized guinea pigs and completely prevented death and disease caused by Ebola virus challenge