Q fever is a bacterial infection of humans and animals caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. Human infection occurs by aerosol from infectious, parturient animals, such as cattle, sheep and goats. It is a significant medical problem in rural and regional areas of Australia, especially in Queensland and New South Wales.
Q-VAX is the current human vaccine which is very effective but is extremely difficult to use by both the doctor and the patient. Patients must be pre-tested before vaccination. It is only available in Australia and there are no other vaccines available anywhere else in the world. Q-VAX is a killed, whole cell vaccine which is very reactogenic and can cause significant side-effects in patients if not used correctly.
A new, safer vaccine is needed.
Our laboratories are developing a new sub-unit vaccine based on the polysaccharide of the cell wall of virulent bacteria, covalently linked to a protein, to enhance its immunogenicity. The new vaccine offers protection in guinea pigs by reducing fever and loss of weight associated with acute infection.
It is hoped that a phase 1 human vaccine trial can be undertaken with this vaccine within the next 2 years to establish its safety in humans.