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Sheffield scientists in meningitis research
23 May 2003
Scientists at the University of Sheffield are investigating why some people get meningitis and septicaemia, caused by the meningococcal bacteria, and not others.
This three-year research project , costing nearly £167,000, is being funded Meningitis Research Foundation, a national charity fighting to prevent death and disability resulting from meningitis and septicaemia, the blood poisoning form.
Scientists have shown that certain human proteins, called collectins, are part of the human immune response, and at least one kind is involved in fighting off meningitis and septicaemia, caused by meningococcal bacteria. People also have genetic differences in the amounts of these collectins in their bodies.
Dr Dominic Jack, who is running the project said: "We will be conducting a large study of the collectin genes in patients who have had meningococcal disease. We hope that we will be able to identify other collectins that defend us against these deadly diseases and find out how collectins interact to provide protection against meningococcal disease."
Denise Vaughan, Chief Executive of Meningitis Research Foundation said, "We are delighted to be funding this research project which has the potential to identify why some people get meningococcal disease and not others. This information will provide signposts to new strategies for prevention and treatment, thereby saving lives."
Further information about the work of Meningitis Research Foundation or about meningitis and septicaemia, can be obtained from the Foundation's 24 hour helpline - Freefone 080 8800 3344 (UK), LoCall 1890 41 33 44 (Republic of Ireland).
Read more about this project:
Research Archive for the public - Immunity and susceptibility in meningococcal disease - the role of collectins
Research Archive for the scientific community - The role of the collectins in determining innate susceptibility to meningococcal disease