Development of vaccines against shigellosis: memorandum from a WHO meeting

Abstract

Endemic shigellosis is a worldwide problem, with a high morbidity rate in most developing countries; substantial mortality may also occur, especially with disease caused by Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1. The limited efficacy of current measures to control this infection makes the development of vaccines for the prevention of shigellosis particularly important. This Memorandum describes the clinical features of and immunity to shigellosis, summarizes the present status of efforts to develop suitable vaccines, and lists the topics that should be given priority in research.