Microbiology Research (Dec 2023)

Updates on Staphylococcal Vaccines

  • Alexandru Scafa-Udriste,
  • Mircea-Ioan Popa,
  • Gabriela-Loredana Popa

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres15010009
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 1
pp. 137 – 151

Abstract

Read online

Staphylococcus aureus, a prevalent human pathogen and a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections, is increasingly evolving antibiotic-resistant strains, increasing mortality and morbidity rates. Anti-staphylococcal vaccine research for prevention and treatment has become a priority. Antibodies against specific S. aureus components, toxins, and polysaccharides have demonstrated encouraging results in animal studies regarding protection against colonization or infection. However, human immunization trials have yielded less optimistic outcomes, with no anti-staphylococcal having passed clinical trials up to now. Although multiple formulation attempts triggered strong antibody responses, the vaccines could not effectively prevent S. aureus infections. This article delves into the results of immunotherapeutic strategies against S. aureus in both animal and human studies, discussing the feasibility of adequate immunization approaches against S. aureus in humans.

Keywords