Pneumococcal Vaccine Watches Bacteria, Strikes Only When Needed
University at BuffaloConventional vaccines indiscriminately destroy bacteria and other disease-causing agents. The approach works, but there is growing concern that it creates opportunity other pathogens to harm the body – similar to antibiotic resistance resulting in new and more potent pathogens. A new, protein-based pneumococcal vaccine takes a different approach. It allows pneumonia-causing bacteria to colonize in the body and – like a nightclub bouncer – swings into action only if the bacteria becomes harmful.