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Scientists in France are working on a vaccine against Lyme disease. The biotechnology company Valneva, which is running this research project, announced that clinical trials show that the vaccine (VLA15) is effective and safe. It is currently the only active Lyme disease vaccine in clinical development.
- Lyme disease (also called Lyme disease) is the most common disease transmitted by ticks. It is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi
- Scientists in France are working on a vaccine against Lyme disease (VLA15). Clinical trials show that it is effective and safe
- VLA15 is currently the only active Lyme disease vaccine in clinical development
- If studies on a larger group of people confirm the effectiveness of the vaccine, it could hit the market within a few years
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease (also called Lyme disease) is the most common disease transmitted by ticks. It is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi carried by ticks living in forested areas of Asia, Europe and the United States. It was first heard about in the second half of the 80s. The disease is especially common among people visiting rural areas and forests. Every year, about 300 people suffer from it. people in the United States and 65 thousand. in Europe.
Lyme disease can take the form of arthritis, neuroborreliosis (inflammation of the brain and meninges), and less often myocarditis. The neurological complications of the disease include: memory and concentration disorders, emotional disorders, even psychosis.
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Lyme disease vaccines will hit the market in a few years?
While for another tick-borne disease – tick-borne encephalitis – we can get vaccinated, in the case of Lyme disease, it is not possible. Admittedly, in 1998 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Lyme disease vaccine known as LYMErix, in 2002 it was withdrawn from the market due to doubts about its effectiveness and serious side effects.
Currently, the only active Lyme vaccine in clinical development is VLA15 from Valneva. This vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to make antibodies against the six common serotypes of the OspA surface protein common in North America and Europe, typical of Borrelia burgdorferi.
Three doses of the vaccine were injected into over 570 healthy adults from the USA and Europe. The control group was given a placebo. The vaccinated people developed a significant amount of antibodies. If studies on a larger group of people confirm the effectiveness of the vaccine, it could hit the market within a few years.
Prevention – the best way to avoid Lyme disease
It is worth remembering that Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics, provided it is detected early. The treatment is quite long, lasting from 21 to 28 days. If left untreated, it can cause muscle pain, nerve pain, chronic fatigue, encephalomyelitis, and severe headaches.
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Patients are often misdiagnosed with other conditions, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus, or mental health problems.
For now, the best way to avoid Lyme disease (and other tick-borne diseases) is proper prophylaxis. When going to the forest or on a trip, remember about appropriate clothing – long pants, long-sleeved blouses, socks and full shoes, a hat. We should also use specialist tick repellants, avoid tall grasses, and after returning from a walk, let’s have a thorough examination of the body (including the scalp).
Have a question about ticks or tick-borne diseases? Send them to the following address: [email protected]. You will find a daily updated list of answers HERE: Ticks and Lyme disease – frequently asked questions and answers
You may be interested in:
- Preparations for ticks – how do they work? Means of protection for adults, children and animals
- Imaginary Lyme disease – what is it?
- Tick bite – what to do?
PAP / Paweł Wernicki / Monika Mikołajska