Researchers from Stanford University have proposed a groundbreaking approach to vaccination: instead of injections, bacteria that live on the skin could be used. Specifically, they focused on the bacterium Staphylococcus epidermidis, which harmlessly resides on everyone's skin.
The uniqueness of this bacterium lies in its ability to elicit a strong immune response from the body. The scientists modified it by adding a tetanus gene and tested the new method on mice. The results indicated that the bacteria function effectively as a vaccine.
Although the research is still in its early stages, and there is no confirmation of effectiveness in humans yet, the prospects are impressive. This approach could significantly simplify the vaccination process. Instead of injections, it would be sufficient to apply a cream containing the bacteria to the skin. This would make vaccination more accessible to a larger number of people, eliminating the need to visit medical facilities.
Experts emphasize that work on the method is ongoing, but if successful, it could represent a true breakthrough in medicine.