New Vaccine Offers Hope Against Devastating Cattle Diseases
A newly developed vaccine targeting Pasteurella multocida, a bacterium responsible for significant economic losses in cattle farming worldwide, is showing remarkable promise. Researchers have identified a surface lipoprotein, dubbed PmSLP, that appears to offer broad protection against both hemorrhagic septicemia (HS) and bovine respiratory disease (BRD).
The Power of Reverse Vaccinology
The breakthrough stems from a “reverse vaccinology” approach, where scientists identify potential vaccine candidates by analyzing the bacterial genome rather than traditional methods. This led to the discovery of PmSLP, a protein found in nearly all strains of P. Multocida that infect cattle. The research, initially conducted at the University of Toronto and the National Veterinary Institute in Ethiopia, demonstrated that a vaccine containing PmSLP was fully protective in mice.
From Lab to Livestock: Promising Results in Cattle
Pilot studies in Ethiopia revealed impressive results. Vaccinated cattle exposed to high doses of the bacteria had survival rates ranging from 75 to 87.5 percent, a stark contrast to the zero percent survival rate observed in the placebo group. This success prompted further optimization to ensure the vaccine’s practicality for use in low- and middle-income countries.
Stability and Accessibility: Key to Global Impact
A major hurdle in delivering vaccines to remote regions is maintaining a stable cold chain. Fortunately, the PmSLP protein proved remarkably stable. Researchers found it could be freeze-dried and stored at room temperature or refrigerated for up to a year without losing its effectiveness. This stability is critical for distribution in areas with unreliable infrastructure.
One Dose Wonder? Adjuvant Breakthrough
The team also identified an adjuvant – an ingredient that boosts the immune response – that, when combined with PmSLP, provided 100% protection after a single dose as early as five weeks post-immunization. This simplifies vaccine administration and reduces costs, making it more accessible to farmers.
Engineered Antigens Inc.: A Commitment to Global Access
To ensure widespread availability, the researchers established Engineered Antigens Inc., a spinoff company dedicated to producing and distributing the PmSLP vaccine. They have granted production and usage rights to all low- and middle-income countries, partnering with GALVmed and BioVet to manufacture the vaccine at scale and secure necessary regulatory approvals.
Beyond Hemorrhagic Septicemia: Targeting Bovine Respiratory Disease
Building on their success with HS, the research team is now focusing on developing a vaccine against bovine respiratory disease (BRD), another significant threat to cattle populations in North America and Europe. BRD is also linked to P. Multocida infection, suggesting that the PmSLP approach could have broader applications.
Did you know?
Hemorrhagic septicemia can cause rapid onset fever, respiratory distress, and sudden death in cattle, leading to significant economic losses for farmers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is PmSLP?
A: PmSLP is a surface lipoprotein found in Pasteurella multocida that has shown promise as a vaccine antigen.
Q: How stable is the PmSLP vaccine?
A: The PmSLP protein can be freeze-dried and stored at room temperature or refrigerated for up to a year without losing effectiveness.
Q: Is this vaccine available now?
A: The vaccine is currently undergoing further testing and regulatory approval processes, with manufacturing being scaled up by BioVet.
Pro Tip
Early detection and vaccination are crucial for preventing outbreaks of P. Multocida-related diseases in cattle. Consult with a veterinarian to develop a preventative health plan for your herd.
Learn more about this research on the University of Calgary’s website.
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