| Recent Research This month some important research on meningitis has been publicised. The following piece will offer some insight into the implications and the impact it will have on the fight against meningitis. While there is still a lack of detailed knowledge about these genetic factors and this is only preliminary research, the findings are very promising. Genetic differences have been found in some people, which mean that the bacteria that causes meningococcal meningitis is able to evade the immune system and cause infection. The protein involved in the research is called factor H and where there are flaws the meningococcal bacteria can bind with these proteins, therefore evading detection by the immune system. Study author Professor Michael Levin, an expert in international child health at Imperial College London, said the findings would be particularly useful in developing a vaccine against meningitis B, which is now responsible for most cases in the UK. Simon Nadel, Consultant in Paediatric Intensive Care at St. Mary’s Hospital London has commented on the research stating that…’as with all genetic research, this is not a test for which patients are more susceptible it is just a statistical result based on comparison of a large number of patients with others not affected by meningococcal infection. It is impossible to give an individual risk profile at this stage, as this is very preliminary research. It does point to genetic factors being important in susceptibility to meningococcal disease, and we do already know from other research that there is an increased risk in family members, but not by a huge amount.’ Despite the research it is important that people remain vigilant to the signs and symptoms of meningitis as it can affect anyone at any age. For further information or support services contact our freephone nurse-staffed helpline 1800 523 196. Lisa M Slattery RGN BSc MA MSc |
Miriam O'Callaghan launches Ireland’s meningitis charities are working together to increase public awareness of the devastating disease on the world’s first international Meningitis Day. April 25 has been chosen as World Meningitis Day 2009 by the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations (CoMO) which brings together meningitis organisations from all over the world to alert people to the signs and symptoms of the disease, to promote the need for vaccines and to make sure support is available to all those affected by meningitis. Meningitis Research Foundation and Meningitis Trust - both members of CoMO - are uniting their efforts to alert people about meningitis as part of a day of international activities. April 25, 2009, will be the first World Meningitis Day and it is hoped people around the globe will join hands to draw attention to meningitis and its life changing after-effects. In Ireland, this will be through a virtual joining of hands on the CoMO website (www.comoonline.org) which will have links from the charities’ websites (www.meningitis.org, and www.meningitis-trust.ie Chris Head, Chief Executive of Meningitis Research Foundation commented: “Meningitis is a global killer, affecting 250-300 people every year in Ireland and millions more around the globe. We hope World Meningitis Day will highlight the global impact of these diseases and the importance of continued research, education and awareness in creating a world free from meningitis and septicaemia.” Carole Nealon, General Manager of the Meningitis Trust, added: “For every individual across Ireland who has meningitis there are many more who have been touched by the disease and for many their lives have changed forever. We hope World Meningitis Day will show them that they are not alone and that meningitis organisations across the world are working together to help save lives.”
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