Ebola vaccine tests give scientists hope
What you need to know:
- A successful vaccine trains the immune system of a healthy person to produce antibodies — proteins capable of fighting off infections.
- Scientists say it is a crucial step as other vaccines have shown lower levels of protection in African populations.
- Some 57 per cent of people in Uganda who received the vaccine alone developed antibodies in their blood against the virus, according to the study.
The trial of a vaccine for the Ebola virus has had promising results, according to a report in a UK medical journal.
The Lancet reported that the first-ever trial of an Ebola vaccine in Africa involving 108 individuals from both Uganda and the US would be followed up with further studies to establish the vaccine’s effectiveness.
Some 57 per cent of people in Uganda who received the vaccine alone developed antibodies in their blood against the virus, according to the study.
The tests revealed the vaccine is so far safe and generates an immune response in both populations.
The Lancet said all the volunteers were aged between 18 and 50, were healthy and were randomly assigned to receive three injections of the vaccine or placebo.
SUCCESSFUL VACCINE
A successful vaccine trains the immune system of a healthy person to produce antibodies — proteins capable of fighting off infections.
The findings are likely to lead to the accelerated development of more potent Ebola virus vaccines.
Scientists say it is a crucial step as other vaccines have shown lower levels of protection in African populations.
“This is particularly encouraging because those at greatest risk of Ebola live primarily in Africa and diminished vaccine protection in African populations has been seen for other diseases,” said Dr Julie Ledgerwood, the lead researcher.
The Ebola virus has killed more than 6,900 people in the worst-affected countries of Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.
No proven vaccine exists to prevent people from getting the disease, though several trials are under way.
