Group A streptococcal vaccine development: current status and issues of relevance to less developed countries

Authors: World Health Organization
Number of pages: 17
Publication date: 2005
Languages: English
WHO reference number: WHO/FCH/CAH/05.09; WHO/IVB/05.14

Overview

In light of the current lack of a clear strategy for primary prevention of GAS infections, there is a place for a safe, effective, affordable and practical GAS vaccine. Based on the epidemiology of GAS diseases in less developed countries, there is concern that the vaccine most advanced in development – a multivalent, type-specific vaccine – may not provide sufficient and long-lasting protection in countries with highly endemic GAS diseases. The review advocates for an assessment of the efficacy GAS vaccines in less developed country settings, for oversight and coordination of GAS vaccine development activities, and that a vaccine is made available for the prevention of GAS diseases in less developed countries.