Scientists begin developing bubonic plague vaccine amid pandemic fears
Scientists who developed the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine during the Covid pandemic are developing the UK's first bubonic plague amid fears an outbreak of the disease could re-emerge.
Why do we need a plague vaccine?
The plague, also called the Black Death, was a pandemic that occurred in Europe from 1346 to 1353. Overall, it has caused three of the world's seven known pandemics and claimed an estimated 200 million lives.
While it can be treated with antibiotics, government military scientists have been calling for a Black Death jab to be developed as antibiotic resistance is now on the rise, meaning there is a 'demonstrable' risk of superbug plague evolving. Such strains have already been found in Madagascar and Peru, and there is 'potential for pandemic spread'.
None of the vaccines in development have been approved for use.
What have researchers found?
The Oxford team behind the AstraZeneca jab says a trial of its vaccine on 40 healthy adults that began in 2021 suggests it is safe and able to produce an immune response in people.
Professor Sir Andrew Pollard, director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, told The Telegraph that the latest trial results are to be submitted to a journal for review in coming weeks and that further clinical trials are expected. 'There are no licensed plague vaccines in the UK,' he said. 'Antibiotics are the only treatment. There are some licensed vaccines in Russia.'
Professor Tim Atkins, a DSTL fellow and lead in the chemical, biological and radiological division, also told The Telegraph: 'If a person gets infected with an antibiotic-resistant strain of the plague bacteria, treatment might be less effective, and they could remain sick for longer.
'Antibiotic resistance isn’t unique to the plague; it’s also a concern for common infections like MRSA in the UK.'
However, he also added: 'The risk in the UK is currently very low. While resistant strains exist, there are still other antibiotics that can be used as backups.'
How is the plague spread?
The plague is caused by an bacteria infection, brought on by the Yersinia pestis microbe. Fleas transmit the bacteria from rodents who then infect the humans they bite.
The microbe can manifest as bubonic, pneumonic plague or septicemic plague. Bubonic plague, characterised by swollen lymph nodes around flea bites, is 30% fatal when left untreated.
Pneumonic plague, which affects the lungs and can result in fever and coughing up blood, is 100% fatal if not treated within 24 hours and can spread between humans via droplets.
Scientists at Porton Down’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) wrote that vaccines need to be expedited 'to prevent future disastrous plague outbreaks'.
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