Relapsing fever is characterized by recurring episodes of fever, often accompanied by chills, headache, and myalgia. By providing high-quality services, we enable our partners to make informed decisions in their vaccine and therapy development pathways.
Overview of Relapsing Fever
Relapsing fever is a vector-borne disease caused by certain bacteria in the genus Borrelia, transmitted through the bites of lice or ticks. Historically described as early as the days of the ancient Greeks, the disease has been a subject of scientific interest due to its complex nature and the challenges it presents in terms of therapeutics and prevention.
Historically, relapsing fever has been reported in various parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe and the Americas, often in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to healthcare. The disease's epidemiology is largely influenced by ecological factors, including the presence of suitable vectors and reservoirs, primarily rodents and other small mammals. The complexity of the Borrelia genus, with over 30 species identified as pathogenic to humans, adds to the challenges of diagnosis and therapeutics.
Fig.1 Global distribution of RF Borrelia. (Lopez J., et al., 2021)
Vaccine Development for Relapsing Fever
The development of a vaccine against relapsing fever is a significant challenge due to the antigenic variation of the Borrelia species. This biological mechanism allows the pathogen to evade the host's immune response by altering its surface proteins, making it difficult for the immune system to recognize and clear the infection.
Louse-Borne Relapsing Fever Vaccine
Louse-borne relapsing fever, caused by Borrelia recurrentis, is associated with severe epidemics in regions of poor living conditions. The development of a vaccine for this type would focus on targeting the antigens presented by B. recurrentis, taking into account its unique antigenic variation patterns.
Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever Vaccine
Tick-borne relapsing fever encompasses a broader range of Borrelia species, including B. hermsii and B. miyamotoi. The vaccine development for this type involves a more complex approach, considering the diverse antigenic profiles of the various species involved.
Therapeutics Development for Relapsing Fever
Antibiotics such as tetracyclines are the first line of therapy for relapsing fever. However, the potential for relapse and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains underscores the need for continuous research into new antimicrobial agents.
Research into new therapeutic agents focuses on compounds that can target the unique biology of Borrelia species, such as their metabolism and ability to evade the immune system. These agents may include small molecules, monoclonal antibodies, or other biologics that can effectively combat the infection. Please click on the links below to learn more about our company's solutions.
Our Services
At our company, we are dedicated to propelling the progress of vaccines and therapies for relapsing fever. Our inclusive range of services covers all aspects of vaccine and therapy development, starting from the initial idea to preclinical testing.
- Immunocompetent Inbred Mice Models
- SCID BEIGE Mice Models
- Clodronate Liposome-Induced Phagocyte Depletion Models
- Non-Primate Animal Models
Our preclinical research services are designed to provide a robust foundation for the development of effective vaccines and therapies. Our collaborative efforts with academic institutions and industry partners further enrich our research capabilities. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Lopez Job, Joppe W. Hovius, and Sven Bergstrom. "Pathogenesis of relapsing fever." Current issues in molecular biology 42.1 (2021): 519-550.
- Barbour, Alan G., and Sheldon L. Kaplan. "Clinical features, diagnosis, and management of relapsing fever." UpToDate (2018).
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
