Recurrent infections, also known as recurrent infections, represent a significant clinical challenge in medical practice. These infections, characterised by the recurrence of clinical symptoms after a period of remission, can be caused by a variety of pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses or fungi. The use of autovaccines, a therapeutic strategy involving the administration of products derived from the patient’s own body, induces a specific and adaptive immune response, resulting in a number of therapeutic advantages. These advantages are explored below:
- Specificity of the immune response: Autovaccines are designed using antigens specific to the infectious agent causing the recurrence, which promotes a targeted and effective immune response.
- Prevention of antibiotic resistance: Unlike antibiotics, whose overuse can lead to the development of bacterial resistance, autovaccines do not exert selective pressure on microorganisms. This reduces the likelihood of the emergence of resistant strains.
- Stimulation of immunological memory: Autovaccines promote the formation of immunological memory, which allows the patient’s immune system to recognise and effectively combat future exposure to the pathogen.
- Personalisation of treatment: Autovaccines can be tailored to individual patient characteristics and pathogen strain, improving therapeutic efficacy.
- Reduced antibiotic use: By offering an alternative to antibiotics, autovaccines can reduce reliance on these therapeutic agents and thus mitigate the risks associated with their overuse.
In conclusion, autovaccines represent a promising therapeutic strategy in the management of recurrent infections, offering a number of key advantages supported by current scientific research. These advantages include specificity of the immune response, prevention of antibiotic resistance, stimulation of immunological memory, personalisation of treatment, reduction of antibiotic use and the potential for long-term cost reduction.
Bibliography:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30828388/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0213005X14003413
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-08888-6
