Banglasesh: Local scientists develop diarrhoea vaccine

Local scientists develop diarrhoea vaccine
Staff Correspondent

Scientists in Bangladesh have developed a vaccine that can prevent diarrhoea caused by commonly found micro-organisms.

Experts described the achievement as a breakthrough in medical science as the vaccine will provide immunity from two most deadly and common bacteria--Vibrio cholerae and Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC).


These two bacteria cause about 55 percent diarrhoeal cases in the country, experts said at a press conference yesterday morning at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre at Agargaon in the capital.


Healthcare Pharmaceutical Ltd and SBL Vaccines of Sweden jointly organised the press conference.


Describing the launching of the vaccine as a milestone event, the experts said researches since 1985 reveal that once taken the vaccine acts as a shield for the body against any further attack of the two bacteria at least for two years.


In 1985, scientists of the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Bangladesh, (ICDDR,B) began testing the safety and efficacy of the vaccine at the institute's Dhaka hospital popularly known as Cholera Hospital.


ICDDR,B senior scientists Dr Firdousi Qadri, Dr Mohammad Yunus, Dr Abdus Salam, and Executive Director Dr David A Sack conducted the successful trials. Based on the results of their trials, the vaccine is now registered in over 50 countries. The vaccine was registered in Bangladesh in 2006.


The availability of the vaccine brand-named "Dukoral" may eventually save greater number of lives of especially children, the most common victims of the water-borne diseases, researchers said.


Already approved by the World Health Organisation and the country's Drug Administration, the vaccine is now popular among travellers as it prevents even the most severe attacks of the water-borne diseases.


Bangladesh is the only South Asian country where the vaccine has been registered as a therapeutic product.


The vaccine--to be taken in two doses 14 days apart--stops toxic agents released by attacking germs from entering intestine cells and thus averting diarrhoea trigger.


Dr Sack said, "I view the launching of the vaccine as an important event since it is being introduced for the first time in Bangladesh.


"Although its price is high, I am sure one day the vaccine will be within the reach of the general population like the oral saline," he added.


The vaccine, manufactured by Swedish pharmaceutical company SBL Vaccines, will be available only at approved vaccination centres across the country and one cycle or two doses will cost Tk 2,400. It must be preserved at 2-8 degrees Celsius temperature.


The vaccine is presently recommended for adults and children over two years of age. Recent studies in Bangladesh among infants and younger children show that the vaccine is safe and effective.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/04/13/d70413012214.htm