PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF FUNGAL VACCINES

In an era that emphasizes the term ''cost-effective,'' vaccines are th e ideal solution to preventing disease at a relatively low cost to soc iety. Much of the previous emphasis has been on childhood scourges suc h as measles, mumps, rubella, poliomyelitis, and Haemophilus influenza e type b. The concept of vaccines for fungal diseases have become incr easingly appreciated as serious medical problems that require recognit ion and aggressive management. The escalation in the incidence and pre valence of infection has prompted a renewed interest in vaccine develo pment. Herein, I discuss the most recent developments in the search fo r vaccines to combat fungal infections. Investigators have discovered several inert substances from various fungi that can mediate protectio n in animal models. The next challenge will be to find the suitable mo de of delivery for these immunogens.