Photos have emerged showcasing a British laboratory’s swift efforts in developing a vaccine for hantavirus, which is suspected to have caused the deaths of three individuals on a cruise ship.
Researchers at the University of Bath have successfully engineered a novel antigen targeting Hantaan disease, a specific strain of hantavirus.
Hantaviruses are a group of viruses transmitted by rodents like mice and rats, primarily through their droppings and urine.
The risk of person-to-person transmission of hantavirus remains low, as confirmed by both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UK Health Security Agency.
Currently, there is no existing vaccine or specific antiviral treatment available for hantavirus infections. Treatment mainly involves supportive care and symptom management, including hospitalization and respiratory support, as outlined by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Most vaccines typically require storage at extremely low temperatures. However, Professor Asel Sartbaeva and her team at EnsiliTech, a startup based in Bristol that originated from the University of Bath in July 2022, are revolutionizing vaccine storage with a groundbreaking method called ensilication. The team had initiated work on the vaccine even before the outbreak on the MV Hondius.
The ensilicated mRNA platform developed by EnsiliTech eliminates the need for cold storage, potentially revolutionizing vaccine distribution globally. Professor Sartbaeva, a Chemistry researcher at the University and co-founder of Ensilitech, highlighted the significance of this innovation, stating, “There is currently no effective vaccine against Hanta viruses, leaving large populations in Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America vulnerable to diseases originating from rodents.”
“Our team has created a new antigen against Hantaan disease from the Hanta virus group. This is a completely novel vaccine that has undergone laboratory and animal model testing, demonstrating a robust immune response,” added Professor Sartbaeva.
Hantaviruses are prevalent worldwide, with reported cases in various regions including Europe, Africa, and Asia. In affected areas, the virus can lead to a spectrum of conditions ranging from mild flu-like symptoms to severe respiratory illnesses.
Following an outbreak of the Andes hantavirus strain on the MV Hondius cruise ship last month after departing from Argentina, three passengers succumbed to the virus. The WHO has clarified that this incident does not signify the onset of a pandemic, but the source of the outbreak remains uncertain, and the full extent of infections is yet to be determined.
In its recent update, the WHO disclosed that among those aboard the vessel, eight hantavirus cases have been identified, with three confirmed cases and five suspected cases.
