PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A VACCINE AGAINST HELICOBACTER-PYLORI

Over 50% of the world population is chronically infected by the gastri c pathogen, Helicobacter pylori, which is responsible for most peptic ulcer disease and is closely associated with adenocarcinoma of the sto mach. Current therapies for peptic ulcer disease include antibiotic er adication of H. pylori infection. While effective, the high cost, diff iculty of patient compliance with the treatment regimens, and risks of selection for resistant strains make these therapies impractical on a large scale. Studies of the pathogenesis of H. pylori have led to the identification of bacterial antigens as candidates for inclusion in n ovel vaccines against this disease. Both prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination have been demonstrated in animal models of Helicobacter in fection. Preclinical evaluations of several antigens are at present un der way and trials of vaccination in humans are planned.