Sexual Health Buzz

Scientists in Australia are one step closer to discovering a vaccine for the common sexually-transmitted infection, chlamydia. A team from Queensland University of Technology and Harvard Medical School has already identified proteins that are able to protect against chlamydia and plan to breed mice with these immune fighting cells.

These cells, known as T-cells will be specifically directed to protect against the mouse strain of chlamydia. In doing so, they’ll be able to learn about what is involved in protecting mice against chlamydia infection and then duplicate those responses with vaccines.

“We’ve been testing these proteins as part of animal trials…and we think we’ve got the answer. It is possible that within three to five years we’ll be finished the animal trials and be looking at clinical trials in humans,” said Professor Peter Timms, from QUT’s Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI).

With 3 million new cases per year, Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STI in the U.S., especially among teens and young adults. The infection can be particularly dangerous for women, as many experience few or no symptoms and are unaware of their infection. Left untreated, chlamydia can cause serious complications and irreversible damage, including infertility.

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