Experimental vaccine shows promise against dangerous intestinal illness

Researchers detail new progress in the decades-long effort to develop a vaccine against enterotoxigenic E. coli.

A decades-long effort to develop a vaccine against one of the world's leading causes of severe digestive illness has reached a milestone, according to new research.

Scientists recently developed a technology targeting enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), a bacterium responsible for millions of diarrheal illnesses each year.

The technology has now been licensed to French vaccine manufacturer Valneva for further development.

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The findings come after decades of research led by scientists at the University of Bergen and the Norwegian Research Center (NORCE).

One of the most common bacterial causes of severe diarrhea worldwide, ETEC is known to disproportionately affect children in low- and middle-income countries. Despite years of research, there is currently no broadly effective vaccine to prevent the infection, according to the study.

Researchers have made a major breakthrough in the decades-long effort to develop a vaccine against ETEC, a leading cause of diarrheal disease worldwide. (iStock)

The researchers focused on a toxin produced by ETEC that has long been considered one of the biggest obstacles to vaccine development.

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James Fleckenstein, MD, a professor of medicine and molecular microbiology at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, said the findings represent a promising step.

"We still have a lot of work to do to translate these findings to an actual vaccine," Fleckenstein, who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital. "But the approach does look promising in the sense that the proteins elicit strong antibody responses that appear to offer protection against diarrheal illness after the first infection in children in developing countries."

ETEC is a leading bacterial cause of severe diarrhea worldwide, especially among children in low- and middle-income countries. (iStock)

If the vaccine eventually reaches patients, researchers hope it could help protect children against some of the most severe forms of diarrheal disease caused by ETEC.

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In the meantime, Fleckenstein said travelers can take steps to reduce their risk of diarrheal illnesses. He recommends avoiding high-risk foods — including meals from street vendors in areas where sanitation may be poor — drinking bottled water in higher-risk regions, and practicing good hand hygiene.

While a vaccine is still years away, experts recommend avoiding high-risk foods, drinking bottled water and washing your hands to reduce the risk of ETEC. (iStock)

Fleckenstein also noted that vaccines are available to protect against typhoid fever, and said travelers should consult their physician before traveling internationally.

The research did have some limitations, the researchers noted.

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The technology is still in development and has not yet been tested as an approved vaccine among the public.

While the licensing agreement allows Valneva to continue advancing the research, additional laboratory studies, clinical trials and regulatory review will be required before the vaccine becomes available.

Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.