New and innovative approach for successful vaccination against Chlamydia infections

Vienna: Chlamydiae are the most common, sexually transmitted, bacterial pathogens in the world. Every year around 100 million people contract Chlamydia infections, which are one of the main causes of female infertility and ectopic pregnancies and can also lead to blindness – especially in developing countries. Now, for the first time in the world, an international research team including Georg Stary from the University Clinic of Dermatology at MedUni Vienna has discovered how to stimulate the immune response to Chlamydiae both efficiently and preventively. The research results have now been published in the leading "Science" magazine.

Vaccine generates double protection against Chlamydia in animals

Harvard: Chlamydia trachomatis is a formidable foe. It’s the most common sexually transmitted bacterial pathogen, infecting more than 100 million people each year. In the developing world, chlamydial infection is the leading cause of preventable blindness. Around the world, it ranks as the number one cause of infertility and ectopic pregnancy.

New chlamydia vaccine shows promise after being tested on mice

NHS: “Researchers in the United States say they have developed a vaccine that can protect against chlamydia,” The Independent reports. Initial results in mice have shown promise in protecting against this common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs in the UK, and can lead to female infertility. It can also cause blindness in babies if their mother has a chlamydia infection and babies are exposed to the bacteria when they are born.

Chlamydia

Author: Dr H. Hunter Handsfield Clinical Professor of Medicine University of Washington

2008-10-28

CHLAMYDIA : The Most Common Bacterial STD

Chlamydia trachomatis inclusion bodies. Source: Public Health Image Library (CDC)

Genital infection with chlamydia—scientific name Chlamydia trachomatis—is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease (STD) in industrialized countries and probably worldwide.  Three to 4 million cases are estimated to occur in the United States each year and the World Health Organization estimates at least 90 million annual cases worldwide.