Potential applications of recent advances in vaccine research and development in overcoming constraints to animal diseases' vaccination programmes in developing countries – a review

Abstract

Immunization remains the most cost-effective and sustainable health intervention in developing countries. Vaccination programmes for animals had faced the major constraints of inadequacy in the quantity and quality of vaccines obtainable, difficulties in maintaining a cold chain in storage/delivery of vaccines and shortages of qualified veterinary manpower/personnel. Recent advances in vaccine research and development offer ample opportunities for overcoming these constraints. These include “sugar-glass” drying of vaccines to enhance their thermostability, the discovery of more effective adjuvants called immune-stimulating complexes (ISCOMs), and the application of the principle of micro-encapsulation in vaccine production to overcome the difficulties associated with multiple visits by a veterinary personnel as required in routine vaccination schedules. Also nucleic acid vaccines now offer opportunities to vaccinate animals without using the infectious agent/its parts, and to produce one single vaccine for all major diseases. Further, the possibilities of producing plant/edible vaccines, combination vaccines, and the recognition of the great value of the use of mucosal route for vaccination stand out as great promises for more viable animal health and husbandry worldwide.


KEY WORDS: Vaccine research & development, Animal diseases prevention/control.


Nigerian Veterinary Journal Vol.23(1) 2002: 27-32