Vaccines can't do it all

COLLEGE PARK, Md., Oct 7, 2005 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Vaccines have helped eradicate and tame some of history's worst diseases, but there are many more diseases that vaccines can help overcome.

"The success of vaccines in controlling disease has been profound. Many diseases that formerly raged unchecked are now under control and others have been eliminated in parts of the world," says study co-author James Kaper of the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

"Despite this success, infectious diseases continue to be public health problems particularly in developing countries where vaccines are unavailable, unaffordable, or both."

The study is the outcome of a colloquium convened by the American Academy of Microbiology in March 2005 to discuss vaccines, current infectious disease problems, the potential for new and better vaccines, vaccine safety, research issues surrounding vaccines, education and training topics.

The report identifies more than 40 infectious agents that pose significant human health problems in the United States or abroad, the most significant of which is HIV. Of the infectious agents identified, only 12 currently have effective vaccines.

URL: www.upi.com