10 April 2006

Research could lead to vaccine to prevent MRSA

Research led by the University of Sheffield has discovered a possible vaccine against MRSA. The highly infectious disease, otherwise known as Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus is currently a major problem in many UK hospitals.

At present there is no vaccine available to prevent MRSA and S. aureus is difficult to eradicate as it is carried in the nose of approximately 25% of the human population at any one time.

However, the research carried out by the University´s Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, identified over 100 proteins made by the bug during human infection. Research indicated that non-carriers of the infectious agent have a potential natural immunity against some of the proteins meaning that scientists could develop possible immunisation against nasal carriage. They then proved this via vaccination with selected bug proteins, which protected against nasal carriage.

The research, which is featured in the current issue of the Journal of Infectious Diseases, shows that a vaccine could be developed which might not only prevent MRSA but also eliminate nasal carriage to stop the spread of the bug in hospitals.

The bacterial proteins found by the scientists are now being developed by commercial collaborators as vaccine components to prevent disease and spread of MRSA.

Professor Simon Foster from the Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the University said: "MRSA is difficult to treat due to the increase of resistance towards antibiotics which are currently being used in UK hospitals. This has led to renewed efforts to develop a vaccine against the infection and, as our research has shown, potentially nasal carriage as well".

"The current emphasis on tackling hygiene in hospitals is very important, but should be viewed as part of a larger strategy. If we are to eliminate the huge human tragedy and financial burden of MRSA, development of a vaccine will be a crucial part in achieving this goal."

Notes for Editors: The research was funded by US biotechnology company Biosynexus Inc.

For further information please contact: Lindsey Bird, Media Relations Officer on 0114 2225338 or email l.bird@shef.ac.uk

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