Title: Safety and Efficacy Studies of Brucella spp. vaccine candidates in the mouse and guinea pig model
Funding Institution: Texas A&M University
Description: The purpose of these studies is to evaluate new vaccines for brucellosis disease in mice and guinea pigs using different methods of delivery. These studies include not only non-pregnant mice and guinea pigs, but also pregnant animals in both species. Pregnant animals have been included since adverse pregnancy outcomes are one of the major problems associated with brucellosis and it is important to test the safety of our vaccine candidates in pregnant animals. Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella, that affect many animals like, sheep, goats, cattle, deer, elk, pigs and dogs. Humans become infected by coming in contact with animals or animal products that are contaminated with Brucella. Brucellosis can cause on humans a range of symptoms similar to the flu (fever, sweats, headaches, back pains, and physical weakness), infections of the central nervous systems and long-lasting or chronic symptoms that include recurrent fevers, joint pain, and fatigue. There are vaccines available for animals that are not safe enough and no vaccine available for humans. From these studies, we hope to gain insight for animal and human vaccine formulations.
