Abstract:Two hundred years ago, Jenner devised the first vaccine able to prevent variola. This vaccine was based on the observation that subsequent to injection of a boy with cowpox, he was protected against t...Two hundred years ago, Jenner devised the first vaccine able to prevent variola. This vaccine was based on the observation that subsequent to injection of a boy with cowpox, he was protected against two successive inoculations with smallpox virus. After 200 years, global administration of vaccinia has led to almost total eradication of the smallpox virus from the earth. There is no other example in medicine of a new drug or biologic substance leading to eradication of the causative agent and extinction of disease. Vaccinations against other bacteria or viruses prevents the death of millions of people yearly. However, currently vaccines do not cover the entire spectrum of diseases. There is a long list of microbes, among which are HIV and malaria, affecting millions of individuals, for which we do not yet have vaccines. This is why the development of new vaccines is a permanent aim of medical research. This interest grew because scientists have understood that vaccines can be used not only for prevention of infectious diseases but also for therapy, leading to the concept of therapeutic vaccines.Read More
Publication Year: 2002
Publication Date: 2002-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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