MHE507 module 5-case study-Bio-Terrorism Research and Development

Bioterrorism Research : Vaccine Development

Introduction

Vaccines gained heightened importance in the context of bioterrorism Infection and the spread of disease via acts of bioterrorism are imminent and vaccines have become an important and practical means of preventing and arresting bioterrorist attacks . The discussion considers developments and issues in bioterrorism research efforts

Current and Proposed Efforts

The current trend in bioterrorism research , particularly on vaccine development , is towards the development of recombinant protein vaccines (Wu-Pong Rojanasakul , 2008 ) and formulation of vaccines for the rapid initiation of defensive immunity following a non-invasive

delivery of the vaccine such as orally or via nasal spray (Plotkin , Orenstein Offit , 2008 . Recombinant protein vaccines emerged from the studies by replacing and combining genetic materials to retain the genetic structure but changing genetic information . Since the basis of recombinant protein vaccines is the human genome information and DNA sequencing , these vaccines should have less side effects . Rapid initiation of defensive immunity targets protection against pathogens invading the body via various modes such as the skin or respiratory system . These target both new vaccines and improved inoculation after a bioterrorist attack . Concurrently , the Vaccine Research Center of the National Institute of Health (NIH ) is focusing on three research areas including vaccines for potent viruses such as Ebola , Lassa and Marburg vaccine immunology , and process of viral infection and neutralization (Sullivan , 2007

Proposed efforts include heightened research on recombinant protein vaccines focusing on potent viruses as part of contingency efforts against bioterrorist attacks and pharmacogenetics focusing on the varying...