Scientists take first step towards universal vaccine against pneumonia, meningitis

Scientists are working towards a universal pneumococcal vaccine that can target all hundred-odd forms of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria and prevent some undesirable outcomes created by existing vaccines.

There is a bacterium called Streptococcus pneumoniae. It comes in at least a hundred different forms, or serotypes, and lives in the tissue lining our nose and throat.

It is normally harmless. But when the body’s immune system becomes weaker — for example during a viral fever — these bacteria may invade the lungs and cause pneumonia, the brain and spinal cord to cause meningitis, and the bloodstream to cause sepsis.

These diseases are called pneumococcal diseases, and they can be prevented by vaccines. Each vaccine contains a unique sugary substance called a capsular polysaccharide aimed at each serotype, offering protection specific to each serotype.

Researchers are now looking for a vaccine that can target all serotypes, which would help prevent pneumonia, meningitis and other pneumococcal diseases more comprehensively.