Innovation in Vaccines against Enteric Diseases

What are Enteric Diseases?

Disseminating the word Enteric to its origin, it is derived from the Greek word Enteron, which means intestine. In simple terms, Enteric diseases are infections caused by viruses and bacteria. These bacteria generally enter our body through mouth or intestinal system. A bacterium named salmonella is one of the common causes behind enteric diseases. 

 Causes of Enteric Diseases

Primary Cause- as a result of consuming contaminated food or liquids.

Secondary Cause- as a result of being directly exposed to contaminated feces is a secondary way of contracting enteric ailments.

Children, people with disabilities and elderly individuals are easy target to enteric diseases owing to weak immune system. Chronic stomach ache, diarrhea, a nauseating feeling are some of the most common side effects of enteric diseases. Death is possible in extreme of cases, even if a strong immune system tries to defend our body against pathogens, diarrhea and nausea could lead to dehydration. The duration of enteric ailments depends upon the intensity of the infection incurred. More than a year long infection could result in severe malnutrition, impaired cognitive development and stunned growth.   

Enteric Vaccine Development

Gastrointestinal (Enteric) diseases are major cause of towering mortality rate among children especially in developing countries. As per the WHO’s staggering reports, the impact of enteric infection has been largely unnoticed. The death toll ensnared nearly 1 million lives of below five years of age. UNICEF achieved some success in 80s through Diarrheal Disease Control Program. 

The Quick-Action Strategy

 Adequate research in the field of enteric vaccine development is a challenge. Gastrointestinal diseases are caused by number of pathogens including viruses, bacteria and parasites. The complexity lies in the large number of existence of these pathogens because immunization exists for few. The innovative drive in formulation development of enteric vaccine lies in using combination of approaches to protect the patient against infection.  Apart from improving sanitary conditions, quick treatment through proven therapeutics including ORS and zinc is highly beneficial to curb the epidemic.