New vaccines key to STI control

Widespread immunisation with safe and effective vaccines could revolutionise the way we tackle sexually transmissible infections (STIs) say international experts gathered in Brisbane for the World STI and HIV Congress today.

They are calling for increased investment in research and development for new vaccines to address diseases such as genital herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and trichomoniasis.

"Immunisation is the single most effective public health measure after safe food and water. We have seen how the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has virtually eradicated the infection in vaccinated youth. We need more vaccines like this if we are going to successfully stem the growing public health burden of sexually transmissible infections," said Professor Ian Frazer from the Translational Research Institute, Queensland, who opened the conference.

Over one million STIs are estimated to occur every day worldwide, triggering a range of sexual, reproductive, and maternal-child health problems.

STIs such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia are major causes of pelvic inflammatory disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes and infertility. Mother-to-child transmission of syphilis can result in stillbirth, neonatal death, low-birth-weight and prematurity and congenital deformities. The presence of herpes triples the chance of acquiring HIV.

Efforts to control STIs by promoting healthier sexual behaviours and improving access to testing and treatment are hampered by the lack of availability or affordability of diagnostic tests or treatment and the challenges of antimicrobial resistance, particularly in resource poor settings.

"Sexually transmitted infections are a major public health challenge," said Dr Sami Gottlieb, from the World Health Organization (WHO). "We have seen the remarkable impact vaccines can have. We need to take concrete steps in the areas of basic science, epidemiology, clinical research, regulatory oversight and public health planning to bring new STI vaccines to fruition."

"Vaccines for chlamydia, hepatitis C and herpes are all feasible," reiterated Professor Fraser. "We just need to make them happen."

• In 2013 THE World Health Organisation developed a road map to STI vaccine development. Latest information is being presented at the conference and can be found in The Vaccine Special Issue or the WHO STI website.
• View the latest national statistics for HIV, STIs and hepatitis in Australia, released today.