New vaccine to prevent tuberculosis in adulthood

2002/06/25 Atxotegi Alegria, Uhaina - Elhuyar Zientziaren Komunikazioa

• Biologia
• Farmakologia
• Medikuntza

With the aim of addressing this problem, researchers from Denmark have discovered a useful vaccine for adults. Humans, as before, should receive the BCG vaccine at birth, but when they mature they will have the opportunity to receive a new vaccine of small bacteria.

The researchers have given pill form to this medication, which is inhalable orally. It is made up of molecules that secrete bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis (bacteria that cause tuberculosis).

To show that this new vaccine is good, scientists have swallowed some mature mice and stressed that, in addition to not producing side effects, it totally protects them from tuberculosis.

The World Health Organization has announced for the next 50 years 100 million new cases of tuberculosis, among which most are adults, and has affirmed that the discovery of this new vaccine is extremely satisfactory.