From infection to vaccination: reviewing the global burden, history of vaccine development, and recurring challenges in global leishmaniasis protection
Greta Volpedo, Ryan H. Huston, Erin A. Holcomb, Thalia Pacheco‐Fernández, Sreenivas Gannavaram, Parna Bhattacharya, Hira L. Nakhasi, Abhay R. Satoskar
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Leishmaniasis is a major public health problem and the second most lethal parasitic disease in the world due to the lack of effective treatments and vaccines. Even when not lethal, leishmaniasis significantly affects individuals and communities through life-long disabilities, psycho-sociological trauma, poverty, and gender disparity in treatment. AREAS COVERED: vaccine without geographical restrictions is needed. This review also focuses on recent advances and common challenges in developing prophylactic strategies against leishmaniasis. EXPERT OPINION: Despite advances in pre-clinical vaccine research, approval of a human leishmaniasis vaccine still faces major challenges - including manufacturing of candidate vaccines under Good Manufacturing Practices, developing well-designed clinical trials suitable in endemic countries, and defined correlates of protection. In addition, there is a need to explore Challenge Human Infection Model to avoid large trials because of fluctuating incidence and prevalence of leishmanasis.