Development of a vaccine to prevent Japanese encephalitis: a brief review

Review

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Author: Viroj Wiwanitkit

Published Date October 2009 Volume 2009:2 Pages 195 - 200

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/IJGM.S6281

Viroj Wiwanitkit

Wiwanitkit House, Bangkhae, Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract: Japanese encephalitis (ICD 10: A83.0) is an important specific viral encephalitis caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus, a virus of the Flavivirus group. Millions of people, especially those in endemic areas of developing countries in Asia, are at high risk from this infection. Therefore proper management to deal with this virus is essential. There is no specific treatment for Japanese encephalitis virus. Supportive and symptomatic treatments are usually used, which emphasize the importance of prevention in this specific neurological disorder. Vector control or vaccination can be used to prevent the disease. Because the existing Japanese encephalitis vaccine poses some undesirable problems, a new vaccine is needed. The process of developing a new vaccine is briefly discussed.

Keywords: Japanese encephalitis, vaccine, concept, prevention, development

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