Vaccines urgently needed for hepatitis C, HIV, 15 other pathogens: WHO
The World Health Organization has highlighted 17 pathogens important for vaccine development. Vaccines are urgently needed against malaria, HIV, tuberculosis and other diseases.
The World Health Organization has identified 17 pathogens as top priorities for vaccine development. Conclusion in A The study published in eBioMedicine highlights how important vaccine research and development is for three diseases – malaria, HIV and tuberculosis – that kill 2.5 million people every year.
Pathogens such as Group A Streptococcus and Klebsiella pneumoniae have also been highlighted as they are becoming increasingly resistant to antimicrobials. Thus, there is an urgent need for vaccines.
Pathogens identified in WHO study
The WHO list of pathogens is divided into three main categories depending on the stage of vaccine development:
Pathogens containing vaccines required for development:
- group a streptococcus
- hepatitis c virus
- hiv-1
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
Vaccine pathogens that require further development:
- cytomegalo virus
- influenza virus (broad spectrum)
- leishmania species
- non-typhoidal salmonella
- norovirus
- Plasmodium falciparum (malaria)
- Shigella species
- Staphylococcus aureus
Vaccine pathogens near regulatory approval:
- dengue virus
- group b streptococcus
- Extra enteric pathogenic E. coli
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Dr. Kate O’Brien, director of WHO’s Division of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals, said global vaccine decisions are often influenced by potential returns on investment rather than the needs of high-burden communities.
“This study uses regional data and expertise to target vaccines that can substantially reduce diseases affecting communities today and reduce health care costs,” he said.
WHO collaborated with international and regional experts to assess factors for vaccine development such as regional disease burden, antimicrobial resistance risk and socioeconomic impact.
The experts’ insights, combined with data for each pathogen, helped identify the top 10 priorities in each WHO region, which were then consolidated into a global list of 17 priority pathogens.
With emerging threats like COVID-19, WHO said the report can enhance academic research, funding and policy decisions to make vaccines effective and accessible globally.
