Vaccine research receives boost

Queensland researchers are closer to finding a vaccine for a little known disease that affects many unborn babies, after receiving a $100,000 state government grant.

Paul Lucas, Minister for Innovation and Information Economy, presented the funds to the Co-operative Research Centre for Vaccine Technology, based at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research.

"Human Cytomegalovirus, or HCMV, is the virus most frequently transmitted between a mother and her unborn child," Mr Lucas said. "HCMV is relatively unknown, but the consequences of infection during pregnancy are congenital defects or development of abnormalities throughout the early stages of a child's life."

Anne Kelso, chief executive officer of the CRC for Vaccine Technology, said funding from the state government may eventually lead to an immunisation program similar to that implemented to reduce the incidence of Rubella in the community.

Item provided courtesy of Science Industry