Leprosy Mailing List – October 29, 2017
Ref.: (LML) Promising new leprosy vaccine moves into human trials
From: P.K. Das, Birmingham, UK
Dear Pieter,
In reference to Ben's straight forward presentation (LML, October 26. 2017), though sounds abrupt, does have some substance.
Since 1978 (when I just entered the leprosy research field by engaging only 25% of my research time with zeal and sincerity) I had been hearing all sorts of claims, and vaccine was surely one of the hot points. I vividly remember Barry Bloom (renowned immunologist, mentor of Robert Modlin), as the chairman of WHO-IMLEP ascertained that vaccine for leprosy is the answer for complete eradication. Unfortunately, Barry's dream for WHO delivering the Vaccine is still a distant future and romantic belief, in the meantime lots of money was spent.
Myself being a little man and little so & so in the field of leprosy, I could not and even now more so can not see how an effective proven Vaccine is possible, because of various rational scientific reasoning. I refrain from discussing them here, at least glimpse of such reasoning has been touched by Ben's present staright forward letter.
Sometimes, I wonder whether vaccine at all is necessary, when (as claimed) so many "sure do" successful diagnostic (including early diagnosis) and prognostic lab tests to monitor the patients and population at large are available. May be, ALM and IDRI 's romantic enthusiasts are obsessed in enlighten us and rescue us from the dark age of our knowledge (a catch phrase appeared in Brazil, several years ago). On the other hand, understanding immunity to leprosy is challenging and mystic's dream, should continue. I shall rather encourage AML and IDRI to chase their dreams.
Regards,
Pran
LML - S Deepak, B Naafs, S Noto and P Schreuder
LML blog link: http://leprosymailinglist.blogspot.it/
Contact: Dr Pieter Schreuder << editorlml@gmail.com
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