3-in-1 vaccine to deter traveller's diarrhoea : Study

For the first time ever a vaccine has been designed to stop three common pathogens of traveller's diarrhoea.

A new study conducted by a University of Guelph chemist, Mario Monteiro has confirmed it.

Monteiro says his 3-in-1 approach to developing a new vaccine could save lives in developing countries, where the three common pathogens kill over 100,000 children under the age of five every year. The study appears in the Vaccine journal.

The study found out that the conjugate vaccine binds together proteins from pathogenic E. coli with sugars from Shigella and Campylobacter jejuni. These are the three bugs which primarily contribute the global spread of the disease.

In tests with mice, the vaccine provided immunity against all three pathogens. Till date, no licensed vaccines existed against any of these pathogens.

In 2009, a sugar-based vaccine was developed by Monteiro against campylobacter alone and is currently undergoing human trials.

"We're targeting three pathogens at the same time. Instead of three shots, maybe you only need one," said Monteiro.

Monteiro added that further research is needed to determine the optimum amounts of protein and sugars in the vaccine in order to make it more efficient.