VACCINES FOR SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED DISEASES

Some progress has been made in understanding the pathogenesis of a num ber of sexually transmitted diseases. The unique evasion strategies wh ich this group of pathogens utilize make vaccine development particula rly difficult. There are considerable efforts now being directed at th e possibility of human immunogenicity testing of a gonococcal porin va ccine, While considerable work needs to be done, it appears reasonable that Chlamydia trachomatis major outer membrane protein may be a futu re vaccine antigen, The identification of a Haemophilus ducreyi toxin which may play a role in ulcer formation enhances the possibility that an antitoxin type vaccine might be feasible to prevent ulcers, The gD 2 herpes simplex vaccine trials have shown promise that recurrent vira l infections may be controlled.