Exploiting genetics, genomics, and immunological responses to construct novel conjugate vaccines against Salmonella Paratyphi A; an emerging global health threat

Enteric (typhoid) fever is a disease caused by the bacteria Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi, the disease is serious and common in developing countries in Asia. There are new vaccines which will have a dramatic impact on enteric fever. However, these vaccines are not protective against Paratyphi. I aim to provide a better understanding of the biology of Paratyphi and generate candidate vaccines for future disease control efforts. I will collaborate with researchers in developing countries to establish a collection of Paratyphi. The genomes of these organisms will be decoded to generate an understanding of their genetic relationship, their evolutionary history, and validate potential vaccine targets. I will investigate changes in the surface antigen (O) of Paratyphi that may play a role in immunity. Using data from these studies I will additionally develop candidate vaccines using a new approach, linking O-antigen to several novel targets I have identified previously.