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Colombia leads world in research to prevent death by dehydration

Colombian researchers are leading the world in research on preventing children's deaths worldwide. Colombian scientists are on the cutting edge of the world's research front. Colombian researchers reviewed immunity and correlates of protection for rotavirus vaccines in a recent issue of the journal Vaccine.

According to their review, "Rotaviruses are the most common cause of severe, dehydrating diarrhea in children worldwide. The tremendous global incidence of rotavirus gastroenteritis, especially in developing countries, emphasizes the need for vaccines to prevent associated morbidity and mortality. However, immunity to rotavirus is not completely understood."

Manuel A. Franco and collaborators at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Colombia and Stanford University in the U.S. wrote, "At this time, total serum RV IgA, measured shortly after infection, appears to be the best marker of protection against rotavirus."

"This review describes the current understanding of rotavirus immunity, including mechanisms of protection against rotavirus from selected animal models, and correlates of protection associated with natural infection or vaccination from humans," the authors noted.

Franco and associates published their review in Vaccine (Immunity and correlates of protection for rotavirus vaccines. Vaccine, 2006;24(15):2718-2731).

For additional information, contact Manuel A. Franco, Instituto de Genetica Humana, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Edificio 32, Carrera 7, Bogota 4062, Colombia. E-mail: mfranco at javeriana.edu.co.

The first tier publisher of the journal Vaccine is Elsevier Science Ltd., a leading publisher of scientific research.

SOURCE: Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota; Immunity and correlates of protection for rotavirus vaccines are the focus of review. (18 June). Managed Care Law Weekly,191

By platano on Jun 14, 2006, 20:50 in Friendly Talkzone.