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Oxford Researchers in hunt for meningitis solution
23 January 2008
Researchers at the University of Oxford, funded by Meningitis Research Foundation, have today in the journal 'Genes and Immunity' provided some clues as to why so many of us carry the bacteria that cause meningitis and septicaemia but only a few will get ill.
In the UK, most cases of meningitis and septicaemia are caused by meningococcal bacteria. One in ten of us carry the bacteria, and this happens when components on the surface of the bacteria, called Opa, latch onto receptors in the lining of our nose and throat called CEACAMs. Sometimes, the bacteria then cause disease by breaking through into the bloodstream. In this three year project, costing £149,000, the researchers set out to find whether differences in people's genetic blue-prints for different receptors make meningococcal disease more likely.
Lead researcher Dr Martin Callaghan said: "Our research revealed that there are differences in the blueprints for some of the CEACAM receptors, and some of these are associated with disease, while other types seem to be protective. It may be that certain receptor types make disease more likely because once the bacteria attach to them, they let the bacteria into the body. However, we know that CEACAM receptors play a role in our immune system, and certain receptor types may point to an underlying immunological defect. Although we don't yet fully understand everything about why only some people get meningococcal disease, this study has given us new insights into what could be an important contributing factor."
Every year in the UK there are some 3,000 cases of meningitis and septicaemia, mainly affecting babies, children and young adults. Up to one in ten will die and many others will be left with disabilities as severe as brain damage, deafness and amputations. This study shows how our genetic makeup may help or hinder the bacteria to invade our bodies, and could be important in preventing meningitis and septicaemia in the future.
Media Contact:
Julia Warren (Meningitis Research Foundation) 01454 281811 or 07711 057875
Dr Martin Callaghan (University of Oxford, Department of Paediatrics) 01865 857461
Notes to Editor:
- Meningitis Research Foundation currently funds 18 research projects. Since it was founded in 1989, the charity has awarded 118 research grants, leading to many advances in the prevention, detection and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia.
- Meningitis Research Foundation operates a Freefone 24 hour helpline - 080 8800 3344 - providing information on meningitis and septicaemia to the general public and health professionals.
- Information on meningitis and septicaemia is also available on this website in 22 languages. An interpretation service in 120 languages is available through the 24 hour helpline.
Symptoms of meningitis:
Fever; vomiting; severe headache; rash (not present in all cases); stiff neck*; dislike of bright lights*; very sleepy/vacant/difficult to wake; confused/delirious; seizures (fits) may also be seen. (*Unusual in young children.)
Symptoms of septicaemia (blood poisoning form of the disease):
Fever; vomiting; limb/joint/muscle pain (sometimes stomach pain/diarrhoea); pale or mottled skin; cold hands and feet; shivering; breathing fast/breathless; rash (anywhere on the body); very sleepy/vacant/difficult to wake; confused/delirious.
Other symptoms in babies include: tense or bulging fontanelle (soft spot); refusing to feed; being irritable when picked up with a high pitched or moaning cry; a stiff body with jerky movements or else floppy and lifeless.