ST. LOUIS — Vaccinating mother mice protected their offspring against a potentially severe bacterial infection in a WashU Medicine study, an early research finding that does not establish whether the approach is safe or effective in people.
The work, described by WashU on Oct. 14 and published in Science Advances, tested experimental vaccines against K1 and K2 types of Klebsiella pneumoniae. The bacterium can cause bloodstream and other infections, and antibiotic resistance has complicated treatment.
Researchers vaccinated female mice at mating and gave additional doses during pregnancy. Their offspring later received experimental bacterial challenges. The study’s abstract reports significantly greater protection from sepsis among pups born to vaccinated mothers than among control pups.
The researchers also tracked transferred antibodies. The published abstract reports that antibodies from vaccinated mothers persisted and remained protective in the pups for at least six weeks after birth.
The team includes first author Paeton Wantuch and senior author David A. Rosen of WashU Medicine. The candidate vaccines were developed by St. Louis-based Omniose, according to the university’s report.
The distinction between animal research and clinical care is important: the study tested a mouse model, not a vaccination program for pregnant patients. Human studies would be needed before the findings could establish a benefit for mothers or babies.
WashU disclosed that four co-authors have financial stakes in Omniose, which is developing the vaccine technology. Researchers are continuing work on candidates intended to cover additional bacterial strains.
Sources: Science Advances study abstract, authors and disclosures via PubMed; Published study, DOI 10.1126/sciadv.aeh8222; WashU Medicine: research findings and competing-interest disclosure.
