The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has sponsored the clinical trial of a new vaccine designed to protect against West Nile virus.
The experimental vaccine was originally discovered and developed by scientists at the Oregon National Primate Research Center at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. Now, it is being tested in a Phase 1 clinical trial at Duke University in Durham, N.C.
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The vaccine, which was successful in protecting mice from the virus, will test the safety of the vaccine in humans. The trial will enroll 50 men and women, ages 18 to 50 years. Each person will receive an intramuscular injection twice: On day one and on day 29. Study participants will be monitored for 14 months.
“Since first appearing in the United States in 1999, West Nile Virus has emerged as an important health threat in this country. NIAID is committed to research efforts to advance a preventive vaccine that could protect people against West Nile virus infection,” said NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci.
The West Nile virus is most commonly spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The viral infection is typically a seasonal epidemic in the U.S. that begins in late spring and continues into the fall.
The majority of people infected with West Nile will show no symptoms, but about one in 150 people infected will develop a serious neurologic illness, such as encephalitis or meningitis, which can be fatal.
Most people with the disease recover completely, but the elderly and people with a weakened immune system are at a higher risk for long-term side-effects or death.
Last year, 2,205 cases of West Nile virus and 97 related deaths were reported in the U.S.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
