CSU developing new tuberculosis vaccine

FORT COLLINS – In the fight against tuberculosis, CSU is a major player. After receiving millions of dollars from the federal government to study the disease, the university says it is getting closer to a new vaccine.

"We emphasize the development of new vaccines, preventative vaccines and also vaccines that might be used in a person who is recently exposed to the disease," said CSU pathologist Randy Basaraba.

While there currently is a vaccine for TB, Basaraba says it has its drawbacks. The current vaccine only lasts for 10 years and patients cannot be given a booster, like with other vaccines.

Basaraba says research under CSU's Ian Orme has developed a vaccine that's currently being tested on animals and may be ready for human trials in two to three years.

The vaccine would be effective against all strains of TB, even the ones that have built up a resistance to antibiotics.

The recent case of TB being handled in Denver has piqued the interest of those at CSU because they believe it is a good opportunity to educate people about the disease that kills 2 million people worldwide each year and remains the second most deadly infectious disease in the world.

"This is a disease not only of antiquity, but is a current, emerging and important disease," said Basaraba.