A major breakthrough has been achieved in the long fight against a leading cause of severe diarrheal illness. Scientists have developed a new technology targeting enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, or ETEC.
ETEC is one of the most common bacterial causes of severe diarrhea worldwide, disproportionately affecting children in low- and middle-income countries. Despite decades of effort, no broadly effective vaccine exists.
Researchers at the University of Bergen and the Norwegian Research Center focused on a key toxin produced by ETEC, a major obstacle to vaccine development. The resulting technology has now been licensed to French vaccine manufacturer Valneva.
"The approach does look promising in the sense that the proteins elicit strong antibody responses," said Dr. James Fleckenstein of Washington University School of Medicine. He noted the responses appear to offer protection after a first infection in children in developing countries.
The technology is still in early development. It requires further laboratory studies, clinical trials, and regulatory review before it could become a public vaccine. If successful, it could protect children from severe forms of ETEC disease.
In the meantime, experts advise travelers to reduce risk by avoiding high-risk foods, drinking bottled water, and practicing good hand hygiene.