The M72/AS01E vaccine candidate launched in 2024 almost after a century of BCG vaccine discovery is effective against which of the following diseases?

The correct answer is Tuberculosis.

Key Points

• The M72/AS01E vaccine candidate has been developed to provide protection against Tuberculosis (TB), a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• It was launched in 2024, almost a century after the discovery of the BCG vaccine, which has been used since 1921 to prevent TB.
• Clinical trials of the M72/AS01E vaccine showed significant efficacy in preventing active pulmonary TB in adults.
• This vaccine represents a major advancement in the fight against TB, especially in regions with high TB incidence.

Additional Information

• Tuberculosis (TB)
  • TB is a contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other organs.
  • It spreads through the air when a person with active TB coughs or sneezes.
  • Common symptoms include a persistent cough, chest pain, and coughing up blood.
  • Effective treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics taken for at least six months.
• BCG Vaccine
  • The Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is the only currently available vaccine for TB.
  • It is administered primarily to infants and children in countries with high TB prevalence.
  • The BCG vaccine is known to protect against severe forms of TB in children, such as TB meningitis and miliary TB.
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis
  • It is the bacterium that causes tuberculosis.
  • It is a slow-growing pathogen that can remain dormant in the body for years before causing active disease.
  • Diagnosis of TB infection is often done through a skin test (Mantoux test) or blood tests, followed by chest X-rays and sputum tests for confirmation.
• Global TB Burden
  • TB is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide and a leading cause of death from a single infectious agent.
  • According to the World Health Organization (WHO), millions of new TB cases occur annually, with the highest burden in developing countries.
  • Efforts to control TB include vaccination, early diagnosis, effective treatment, and public health initiatives aimed at reducing transmission.