mRNA Vaccine Shows Promise Against Dangerous Bacteria

New research published in Science showed the experimental messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine protected against first-time infections with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) bacteria and also against relapsing infections in mice and nonhuman primates.

Researchers are developing the first vaccine against the highly contagious and difficult-to-treat C. diff, using the technology behind the mRNA vaccines that combated coronavirus that caused COVID-19. Like COVID-19 vaccines, the C. diff mRNA vaccine uses genetic material from the bacteria to train the immune system to recognize and respond in the event of future infections.

Earlier attempts at producing vaccines against C. diff have been unsuccessful, although several are currently in development, Reuters reported. In this new research, mice vaccinated with traditional-style vaccines all perished within a day after being infected with the bacteria. Adding a booster to the traditional-style vaccines increased survival by 20%, but immunization with the mRNA vaccine improved survival to 100%. The researchers said the results pave the way for trials in humans.

C. diff is a common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (ADD), and accounts for 15 to 25% of all ADD, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported. Other C. diff-caused complications include colon damage, sepsis, and—on rare occasions—death. Roughly one-third of infected individuals will have recurrent infections.

C. diff spores can be transferred to patients by the hands of healthcare personnel who have touched a contaminated surface or item. To protect against C. diff, clean and disinfect surfaces and manage body substance spills promptly, per CDC’s Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities. Perform routine cleaning before disinfection. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-registered disinfectants with a sporicidal claim have been successful in environmental surface disinfection of patient-care areas where surveillance and epidemiology indicate ongoing transmission of C. diff.