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The utility of human challenge studies in vaccine development: lessons learned from cholera

Authors Shirley, McArthur M

Published 5 October 2011 Volume 2011:1 Pages 3—13

DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/VDT.S23634

Review by Single anonymous peer review

Peer reviewer comments 3



Debbie-Ann T Shirley, Monica A McArthur
Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Abstract: Experiments in which virulent infectious organisms are administered to healthy adult volunteers with the intent to deliberately induce infection have been practiced for centuries. Many useful applications have developed from these experiments such as the provision of evidence of microbial pathogenicity and the identification of key virulence factors. Challenge studies have also played an important role in the evaluation of preliminary efficacy of potential vaccine candidates. Over the past 40 years, these experimental human challenge studies have found particular utility with regards to the development of both living and nonliving attenuated cholera vaccines. This review highlights some of the important contributions made by these challenge studies to cholera vaccine research.

Keywords: virulent infectious organisms, human challenge studies, cholera, vaccine research

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