Baylor study sheds new light on vaccine protection

Dr. Robert Atmar

Study conducted with an experimental norovirus vaccine showed significant protection against the virus and its associated illness.

The study was the first clinical demonstration that such a vaccine could be useful in preventing norovirus illness. There is no current treatment for the illness outside of replacing fluids and using medication to help stop vomiting and diarrhea.

"This study shows it is feasible to make a vaccine that will protect against norovirus infection and the illness it causes," Dr. Robert Atmar, professor at Baylor College of Medicine, said in a press release.

The study included 80 subjects and saw those who received the vaccine had less frequent instances of the illness, one of the most common acute stomach and intestinal illnesses. The CDC estimates that nearly 21 million Americans are infected with the virus each year.

Researcher will move to determine the best method of delivery the vaccine and will begin to investigate treating similar viruses.