tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
Genetic factors behind the tragic deaths of children struck down by meningitis have been identified for the first time.
Experts hope the breakthrough will boost development of vaccines that protect against the deadliest strain of meningitis bacteria.
Currently there is no vaccine for the Group B strain which each year claims thousands of live around the world.
codes
Scientists scoured the genetic codes of more than 6,000 people for clues to why certain individuals are more vulnerable to attacks by meningococcal meningitis than others.
They found evidence that genetics plays a key role in the way the body responds to the infection.
It was already known that most people carry the bugs in their throat without ever succumbing to the disease. But occasionally the bacteria strike with devastating force, leading to death in up to one in 10 cases.
Most victims are children under five and teenagers. Progress of the infection can be lightning fast, with patients becoming critically ill within hours.
Meningitis affects the layers of membranous tissue that surrounds the brain, but sometimes the infection leads to septicaemia, a highly dangerous form of blood poisoning.
Although people can be immunised against some types of meningococcal bacteria scientists have been unable to develop a vaccine against the Group B strain. A much milder and rarely fatal form of meningitis can be caused by a virus.
The new research involved the biggest ever genetic study of bacterial meningitis.
genetic
Scientists looked at the genetic makeup of 1,500 people who had developed meningococcal meningitis.
The findings showed that susceptible people had alterations in their DNA around genes for 'Factor H' proteins. These regulate a bacteria-fighting part of the immune system and prevent it damaging the body's own cells.
Meningococcal bacteria are able to hijack Factor H and use it to fly into the body without being attacked.
hnews@herald.ie
http://www.herald.ie/lifestyle/heal...en-get-meningitis-found-in-genes-2289877.html
Experts hope the breakthrough will boost development of vaccines that protect against the deadliest strain of meningitis bacteria.
Currently there is no vaccine for the Group B strain which each year claims thousands of live around the world.
codes
Scientists scoured the genetic codes of more than 6,000 people for clues to why certain individuals are more vulnerable to attacks by meningococcal meningitis than others.
They found evidence that genetics plays a key role in the way the body responds to the infection.
It was already known that most people carry the bugs in their throat without ever succumbing to the disease. But occasionally the bacteria strike with devastating force, leading to death in up to one in 10 cases.
Most victims are children under five and teenagers. Progress of the infection can be lightning fast, with patients becoming critically ill within hours.
Meningitis affects the layers of membranous tissue that surrounds the brain, but sometimes the infection leads to septicaemia, a highly dangerous form of blood poisoning.
Although people can be immunised against some types of meningococcal bacteria scientists have been unable to develop a vaccine against the Group B strain. A much milder and rarely fatal form of meningitis can be caused by a virus.
The new research involved the biggest ever genetic study of bacterial meningitis.
genetic
Scientists looked at the genetic makeup of 1,500 people who had developed meningococcal meningitis.
The findings showed that susceptible people had alterations in their DNA around genes for 'Factor H' proteins. These regulate a bacteria-fighting part of the immune system and prevent it damaging the body's own cells.
Meningococcal bacteria are able to hijack Factor H and use it to fly into the body without being attacked.
hnews@herald.ie
http://www.herald.ie/lifestyle/heal...en-get-meningitis-found-in-genes-2289877.html