E. Coli Vaccination: Vaccination Enterotoxigenic Exchericha Coli (ETEC)

Excherichia (Eschericha) coli is bacterium that normally lives in the intestines of human and other animals. Most types of Excherichia coli are harmless, except for five recognized classes of enterovirulent E. coli (EEC group) that cause gastroenteritis (Inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines (stomach flu)) in humans. Among these are the enterotoxigenic Exchericha coli (ETEC) strains, produce toxins that stimulate the lining of the intestines (upon entering into the digestive system), causing secretion of excessive fluid (diarrhea). ETEC is transmitted by food (Such as unwashed produce including spinach (In 2006, United States E. coli outbreak linked to fresh spinach), lettuce or green onions) or water contaminated with animal or human feces. In many underdeveloped nations, improper hygiene or lack of proper clean water may not be available, breeding ground for enterovirulent E Coli leading to diarrheal disease among children, and traveler's diarrhea. Furthermore, ETEC attributed to cause fever, nausea with or without vomiting, chills, loss of appetite, headache, muscle aches, and bloating. The symptoms may become prevalent, within one to three days after exposure from ETEC.

Most infected persons recover within a few days, without requiring in most cases hospitalization or specific treatment. However in developing countries, most common cause of death in children related to diarrhea, when inadequate or medical needs are not available, otherwise rarely fatal. Enterovirulent E Coli transmission can be prevented: Prohibit cattle (farm animals) from entering upon or grazing on the land where vegetation is grown and cultivated, preventing fecal matter from contaminating the food supply. Promote or preserve personal hygiene, and cook meat or poultry thoroughly. Recommended treatment options: Symptoms of diarrhea best treated by drinking clear liquids (Including salty chicken soup preventing dehydration. Imodium can effectively relieve diarrhea and cramps. Also, Pepto-Bismol can help reduce the number of bowl movements. Sometimes antibiotics (including trimethoprim -- sulfamethoxazole and ampicillin.) can shorten the duration of diarrheal illness, however ETEC is frequently resistant to this method of treatment. Also, caution should be considered before an antibiotic is administered, may cause adverse reactions, such as rash, colitis and vaginal yeast infection. The best precaution for travelers visiting developing countries, avoid foods (especially raw seafood and undercooked meat or poultry) and beverages, maybe contaminated with the bacteria. Drink only bottled water or bottled beverages. Especially take precautions in regions of the world where there is a lack of adequate chlorination. Infected person should frequently wash their hands with soap and do not prepare or handle foods, necessary to avoid the risk of spreading the bacteria.

Publishing in May 2007 issue of the Journal Infection and Immunity, first development patched -- based needle -- free ETEC vaccination. Iomic Corporation developed a vaccination especially for traveler's exposure to high levels of ETEC bacteria. As a result, less likely to experience severe diarrhea and less likely to require intravenous fluids to treat dehydration Twenty to fifty percent of international travelers exposed to ETEC, were the bacteria is highly endemic. During a clinical study, lead by Dr. Robin McKenzie, an assistant professor of medicine at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, twenty-seven patients received three doses of Iomai ETEC vaccine. Afterwards, participants were exposed to large dose of E. Coli, (Larger then expected under natural conditions) and monitored. These patients experienced only moderate to severe illness, compared to those who received a placebo and became severely sick, requiring in many cases intravenous fluids. The group of patients vaccinated had an increase number of antibodies (IgA and IgG: Associated with protection against enterotoxigenic E. coli.). After three vaccination doses, these participants had a four - fold increase in serum IgG and ninety-seven percent had a four-fold increase in IgA.

Dr. Gregory Glenn, Iomai's founder and chief scientific officer said: "These compelling results suggest that Iomai's patch-based, needle-free ETEC vaccine mitigates the severity of this common bacterial illness, which could help travelers avoid a debilitating illness during a vacation. We are continuing to study the vaccine and plan to launch a Phase 3 trial of the vaccine in the next year." Phase three trial may include hundreds of people and favorable results are often a precursor, applying to the Food and Drug Administration approval. Previously Iomai developed transcutaneous immunization (TCI) process, allows the vaccine to be delivered to the immune system via a simple patch affixed to the skin.

Department of Health and Human Services awarded Iomic Corporation a $128 million contract to develop a dose-sparing patch for use with a pandemic influenza vaccine.