Meningitis continues to be a major public health concern worldwide, with epidemics being reported in 2024.
In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported a significant increase in meningococcal disease cases, which causes severe inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Based on preliminary data, as of March 8, 2024, there were 415 confirmed and probable cases of meningococcal disease in 2023 alone.
This is the highest number of cases reported in the U.S. since 2014.
Most Meningococcal Disease Cases Confirmed Since 2014
Old TB Vaccine May Conquer Herpes
Despite extensive research and hundreds of millions of infections, no government agency has yet approved an effective vaccine to prevent herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) infection.
While current herpes vaccine development focuses on glycoproteins, recent studies suggest T cell responses against specific HSV-2 antigens are more prevalent in asymptomatic individuals.
Therefore, vaccine development should consider these differences in immune response to create a vaccine that can stimulate T-cell responses against these antigens.
Can This Vaccine Conquer Herpes
Despite extensive research and hundreds of millions of infections, no government agency has yet approved an effective vaccine to prevent herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) infection.
While current herpes vaccine development focuses on glycoproteins, recent studies suggest T cell responses against specific HSV-2 antigens are more prevalent in asymptomatic individuals.
Therefore, vaccine development should consider these differences in immune response to create a vaccine that can stimulate T-cell responses against these antigens.