Advances in Vaccine Technology - Pioneering a Preventive for Valley Fever (Extended Version)
1 hour of CE Credit
Coccidioidomycosis, also known as "Valley Fever," is a systemic fungal disease caused by the inhalation of Coccidioides spp. soil fungi, C. posadasii and C. immitis. Coccidioidomycosis causes a great deal of morbidity and mortality in affected patients and can also infect humans. To date, the only available prevention for this disease is avoidance of endemic areas. Progress is being made towards development of a viable systemic vaccine against Coccidioides spp. in the dog. In this program, we will review details regarding Valley Fever pertinent to vaccine development including its dimorphic life cycle, geographic distribution and our current understanding of the protective host immune response to systemic Coccidioides infections. This course takes a detailed look at the scientific studies that are leading us towards a potential vaccine to prevent the disease in dogs.
What you'll learn:
Understand the current geographic range of Coccidioides spp. and projections for future geographic range.
Learn the history and challenges of developing a vaccine for systemic fungal diseases and the importance of host immune response.
Review the scientific literature to date charting progression towards a vaccine for Coccidioides spp. including selection of an appropriate antigen, dose as well as a deeper look into proven efficacy in mice and dog models.
