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The quest for an effective malaria vaccine has been difficult. RTS,S/AS02D, a candidate vaccine containing sequences of the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein fused to hepatitis B virus surface antigen, showed modest protection in initial trials among adults and young children (see Journal Watch Infectious Diseases Jan 13 2006). But will the vaccine work in infants? In a phase I/IIb double-blind, randomized trial partially supported by industry, investigators assessed the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of vaccine administered at ages 10, 14, and 18 weeks in Mozambique, where insecticide-treated bednets for pregnant women and indoor residual spraying are part of malaria control.
Two hundred fourteen eligible infants were ran…