Chinese scientists create a caries vaccine

The discovery of Chinese scientists presents a bright future for humanity. Perhaps in the not too distant future, caries can be avoided by simply administering the vaccine.

Scientists have been trying for a long time to find out what causes this ailment. The hereditary and bacteriological versions of the occurrence of the disease were considered as the main ones. But in the spring of 2017, American and Australian biologists proved the failure of the hereditary version, revealing the microbiological nature of this caries.

It turned out that the cause of caries is the bacterium Streptococcus mutans. It enters the oral cavity from the external environment and, under favorable conditions, begins to develop, causing caries. The fact is that during the course of their activity, these bacteria produce lactic acid, which deposits on the enamel in the form of tartar. Subsequent development of the situation leads to the destruction of tooth enamel and the formation of carious cavities in the tooth.

Unfortunately, the whole variety of hygiene products for oral care cannot completely rid humanity of caries. Therefore, research teams in many countries have been developing a vaccine against this disease for more than thirty years.

The first to be successful were Chinese researchers from the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The results of their research were published in the journal Scientific Reports. True, it is specified that the tests of the new drug were carried out only on laboratory animals. Experiments with rats showed that the fusion protein used in the vaccine elicits an immune response of the animal against the Streptococcus mutans bacteria, which significantly reduces its activity and reduces the total number of pathogenic microorganisms. Soon, experts from the Wuhan Institute will conduct clinical trials in humans.

A year earlier, it was announced the development of a vaccine against another dangerous disease of the oral cavity - periodontitis. Australian scientists have managed to create a drug that significantly reduces the effects of microorganisms that cause this disease.

Modern medicine is actively developing, using all the latest achievements of mankind. And perhaps tooth decay, causing so much trouble for children and adults around the planet, can be defeated with a vaccine.