Girmay Desalegn

Abstract Dysentery caused by Shigella species remains a major health threat to children in low- and middle-income countries. There is no vaccine available. The most advanced candidates, i.e., O-polysaccharide (OPS)-based conjugates, have limited coverage—only against the immunizing serotype. Vaccines based on Shigella conserved proteins are sought for their simplicity and capacity to prevent disease caused by multiple serotypes.

Abstract Diarrhea caused by Shigella has been associated with high morbidity and mortality in young children worldwide. There are no licensed vaccines, and those clinically advanced have restricted coverage as they elicit serotype-specific immunity while disease is caused by multiple circulating serotypes. Our group had previously reported a close association between serum antibodies to the Shigella virulence factor VirG (or IcsA) and clinical protection in infected individuals.