A new vaccine may prevent melioidosis, a disease caused by bacteria in soil and groundwater. The bacteria can cause life-threatening pneumonia or sepsis, so finding a vaccine is important.
Researchers at a university tested the vaccine in animals. The vaccinated animals showed no lung damage, and the vaccine worked against bacteria in the air, the most dangerous form.
Scientists hope to move to human trials. The bacteria live in parts of Southeast Asia and northern Australia and have recently been found in some coastal areas of the United States.
Difficult words
- melioidosis — A serious infection from a soil bacterium
- vaccine — A medicine that teaches the body to fight
- vaccinate — To give medicine that prevents an infectionvaccinated
- bacterium — A very small living organism that can infectbacteria
- pneumonia — A serious lung infection that causes breathing problems
- sepsis — A dangerous body reaction to a severe infection
- groundwater — Water that is under the ground in soil
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why is a vaccine important for a disease that causes pneumonia or sepsis?
- Would you feel safe if scientists start human trials for this vaccine? Why or why not?
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