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Investigational vaccine in cattle may prevent F. necrophorum transmission in humans
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Kansas State University researchers have developed a new vaccine as an antibiotic-free method to prevent the transmission of Fusobacterium necrophorum in sheep and cattle to meat consumers, according to a press release.
“The [FDA] has issued guidance to minimize the use of many antibiotics in cattle, especially those similar to ones with human applications, so this vaccine is an alternative,” investigator Sanjeev K. Narayanan, PhD, MS, PhD, professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology at Kansas State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, said in the release. “This way, we don’t expose people’s food to bacteria that have acquired resistance to many antibiotics.”
The vaccine uses a two-pronged approach to immunize livestock against leukotoxins produced by F. necrophorum, which hinder the liver’s ability to fight infection and generate antibodies against proteins discovered by Narayanan and colleagues that allow the bacterium to attach to the animals’ stomach and liver.
Fusobacterium necrophorum causes infection in livestock and people, but inventors at Kansas State University have found a way to protect animals and humans from the virus.
Source: Kansas State University
“If you can prevent attachment, you can prevent infection,” T.G. Nagaraja, PhD, MVSc, distinguished professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology at Kansas State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, said in the release.
The vaccine currently is being tested in cattle, but also may be assessed in sheep and humans, according to the release. The investigation is supported by Elanco, a company that supplies antibiotics to the livestock feedlot industry, as well as the Agriculture Department.
Disclosure: Infectious Disease News was unable to confirm relevant financial disclosures at the time of publication.