IVANA HALUSKOVA BALTER
Bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi that are resistant to drug cause 700,000 death each year. By 2050 superbugs inured to treatments could cause up to 10 million deaths annually and costs the global economy US$100 trillion. (1)
AMR (antimicrobial) resistance is regarded nowadays as a major threat to global public health. The issue is receiving high-level political attention (G7 and G20 in 2017 for first time). Pandemics, drug resistance and neglected diseases framing health as a “global security issue”. as recent example of coronavirus and previously Ebola .
The list was drawn up in a bid to guide and promote research and development (R&D) of new antibiotics, as part of WHO’s efforts for AMR but need to be extended.
Tuberculosis (MDR/XDR) and latent tuberculosis represent a major issue to tackle attracts global attention as witnessed by recent WHO and inter-ministerial meetings several times and figured on economic agenda given the fact of health importancy for sustanaible economic growth in this interdependent and aging world
Problem of resistance get worsened due declining number of new antibiotics and limited number of new classes (2). Multifaceted strategy to promote and prioritize highly potential alternatives to tackle AMR like vaccines development is required. Vaccines like diphtheria and tetanus did not prompt resistance. In 1980 the smallpox vaccine had eradicated the naturally circulating virus worldwide without generating resistance. Recent development of LATV for pertussis shows positive off target effect where not only antibody but innate and cellular imunity plays role.
Additionally, introduction of live vaccines like measles and BCG has been associated with much larger reduction of morality than can be explained by the prevention of the targeted infections
Thoughtful and innovative vaccines development taking into account host microbiota “superorganism” and immune crosstalk - Immune system training linked with several inflammatory/autoimmune diseases open large avenue for future development. (4)
Accurate diagnostic and surveillance with better understanding of genetic and immunologic background of host specific response and pathogen evolution drives successful country adapted vaccine research.