Shigella Vaccine Development: Finding the Path of Least Resistance

ABSTRACT

Shigella sp. represent the second most common etiologic pathogen causing childhood diarrhea in developing countries. There are no licensed Shigella vaccines and their progress has been limited. In this issue of Clinical and Vaccine Immunology, Riddle and colleagues report results from a phase 1 study of a parenterally administered monovalent O-polysaccharide “bioconjugate” directed against S. flexneri 2a. Ultimately the goal is to develop a broad-spectrum Shigella vaccine to address this public health concern. A parenteral Shigella vaccine capable of eliciting protection in children of developing countries would be an important tool to reach this goal.