A vaccine has for the first time been shown to protect against the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhoea, scientists in New Zealand say. About 78 million people pick up the sexually transmitted infection each year, and it can cause infertility. The bacterium that causes meningitis, Neisseria meningitidis, is a very close relative of the species that causes gonorrhoea - Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Dr Helen Petousis-Harris, one of the researchers, said: "This is the first time a vaccine has shown any protection against gonorrhoea. "At the moment, the mechanism behind this immune response is unknown, but our findings could inform future vaccine development."

Source: The Star July 10, 2017 23:26 UTC