Dual vaccine approach could help eradicate polio

Conclusion This randomised control trial has found that a booster vaccination with the Salk inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) can boost gut immunity against polioviruses in infants and children who have already received multiple doses of the oral vaccine. It appears that receiving both vaccines is key, as the researchers report that the ability of the Salk IPV to induce gut immunity is limited. They say that studies in countries that do not use oral vaccine show that more than 90% of children given the IPV excrete challenge poliovirus. However, the researchers also say the oral vaccine has been reported to give incomplete intestinal immunity that does deteriorate. Polio is transmitted by the faecal-oral route, either by exposure to faecally contaminated food or water, or by person-to-person contact. These findings are important, as in many of the parts of the world where polio is a problem, the standards of sanitation are poor. This means the potential for children to contract the disease by coming into contact with infected faeces passed by someone with weakened intestinal immunity is high. The researchers also note one limitation to their study: it was performed in one district of India, and therefore extrapolation or generalisation of these findings must be done with caution. Despite this, on the basis of the results of this study the WHO is recommending that at least one dose of Salk IPV is added to routine vaccination schedules instead of the all-oral vaccination sc...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Medication Medical practice Source Type: news