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Research Project: Development of Detection and Control Strategies for Bovine Babesiosis and Equine Piroplasmosis

Location: Animal Disease Research Unit

Title: Babesiosis vaccines: Lessons learned, challenges ahead, and future glimpses

Author
item RATHINASAMY, VIGNESH - Washington State University
item POOLE, WILLIAM - Washington State University
item BASTOS, REGINALDO - Washington State University
item Suarez, Carlos
item COOKE, BRIAN - Washington State University

Submitted to: Trends in Parasitology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/4/2019
Publication Date: 9/12/2019
Citation: Rathinasamy, V., Poole, W.A., Bastos, R.G., Suarez, C.E., Cooke, B.M. 2019. Babesiosis vaccines: Lessons learned, challenges ahead, and future glimpses. Trends in Parasitology. 35(8):622-635. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pt.2019.06.002.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pt.2019.06.002

Interpretive Summary: The incidence and prevalence of babesiosis in animals and humans is increasing yet prevention, control or treatment measures remain limited and ineffective. Despite a growing body of new knowledge of the biology, pathogenicity and virulence mechanisms of babesia parasites, there is still no well-defined, adequately effective and easily deployable vaccine. While numerous published studies suggest that the development of such vaccines should be feasible, many others identify significant challenges that need to be overcome in order to succeed. Here, we review historic and recent and attempts in babesiosis vaccine discovery to avoid past pitfalls, learn new lessons and provide a roadmap to guide the development of next-generation babesiosis vaccines.

Technical Abstract: The incidence and prevalence of babesiosis in animals and humans is increasing yet prevention, control or treatment measures remain limited and ineffective. Despite a growing body of new knowledge of the biology, pathogenicity and virulence mechanisms of babesia parasites, there is still no well-defined, adequately effective and easily deployable vaccine. While numerous published studies suggest that the development of such vaccines should be feasible, many others identify significant challenges that need to be overcome in order to succeed. Here, we review historic and recent and attempts in babesiosis vaccine discovery to avoid past pitfalls, learn new lessons and provide a roadmap to guide the development of next-generation babesiosis vaccines.