Menu
06/01/2004
Research promises to beat common meningitis bug
The latest research into a broad spectrum vaccine may have led to a breakthrough in protecting against all strains of meningococcal meningitis.
Currently only a vaccine protecting against the less common Group A and C strains of the bacteria are available, but research by scientists at the University of Surrey promises a vaccine which may protect individuals against all the strains of the bacterium, including the most common Group B strain.
Research by scientists at the School of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences at the University of Surrey and the Health Protection Agency provides hope for developing a new meningitis vaccine that will protect children against all groups of meningococcus.
Meningococcal bacteria cause epidemics of meningitis worldwide that kill thousands of children each year. Vaccines are available for the A and C groups, but no effective vaccine is currently available for B groups.
Each year in the UK there are about 1,500 confirmed cases of group B meningitis, but the true incidence is thought to be nearer twice that number as many mild cases may go unreported.
About 10% of children who contract meningococcal meningitis die of the disease and many of the survivors are left severely handicapped.
In research supported by the Meningitis Trust, the Surrey researchers used genetic engineering technology to make a mutant strain of the meningococcus that was incapable of causing disease in mice. Although the mutant was based on a C group meningococcus, it was discovered that mice inoculated with the mutant bacteria developed antibodies that killed not only C groups but also the B and A strains, effectively immunising them against all groups.
Researchers warn that there is some way to go, but they are hopeful that it should be possible to develop a single vaccine to protect against all groups of the meningococcus. Such a vaccine would revolutionise meningitis immunisation around the world, they said.
(SP/GMcG)
Currently only a vaccine protecting against the less common Group A and C strains of the bacteria are available, but research by scientists at the University of Surrey promises a vaccine which may protect individuals against all the strains of the bacterium, including the most common Group B strain.
Research by scientists at the School of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences at the University of Surrey and the Health Protection Agency provides hope for developing a new meningitis vaccine that will protect children against all groups of meningococcus.
Meningococcal bacteria cause epidemics of meningitis worldwide that kill thousands of children each year. Vaccines are available for the A and C groups, but no effective vaccine is currently available for B groups.
Each year in the UK there are about 1,500 confirmed cases of group B meningitis, but the true incidence is thought to be nearer twice that number as many mild cases may go unreported.
About 10% of children who contract meningococcal meningitis die of the disease and many of the survivors are left severely handicapped.
In research supported by the Meningitis Trust, the Surrey researchers used genetic engineering technology to make a mutant strain of the meningococcus that was incapable of causing disease in mice. Although the mutant was based on a C group meningococcus, it was discovered that mice inoculated with the mutant bacteria developed antibodies that killed not only C groups but also the B and A strains, effectively immunising them against all groups.
Researchers warn that there is some way to go, but they are hopeful that it should be possible to develop a single vaccine to protect against all groups of the meningococcus. Such a vaccine would revolutionise meningitis immunisation around the world, they said.
(SP/GMcG)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 February 2006
Children to receive new vaccine
Children in the UK are to receive a vaccine against a disease, which causes blood poisoning, meningitis, pneumonia, under new plans announced today. A routine pneumococcal vaccine is being introduced as part of a series of changes to the childhood immunisation programme. The jab, which will be given in three doses, will be introduced from April.
Children to receive new vaccine
Children in the UK are to receive a vaccine against a disease, which causes blood poisoning, meningitis, pneumonia, under new plans announced today. A routine pneumococcal vaccine is being introduced as part of a series of changes to the childhood immunisation programme. The jab, which will be given in three doses, will be introduced from April.
14 May 2010
George Awarded Damages Over 'Obsession'
The man cleared of murdering TV presenter Jill Dando after spending seven years in jail has won damages over newspaper claims. Barry George brought the case over claims that he was obsessed with singer Cheryl Cole and newsreader Kay Burley. The claims were made in the Sunday Mirror, the People and on the Daily Mirror website in 2008.
George Awarded Damages Over 'Obsession'
The man cleared of murdering TV presenter Jill Dando after spending seven years in jail has won damages over newspaper claims. Barry George brought the case over claims that he was obsessed with singer Cheryl Cole and newsreader Kay Burley. The claims were made in the Sunday Mirror, the People and on the Daily Mirror website in 2008.
17 November 2011
Flu Vaccination Delayed For 'More Advice'
The Department of Health has said on Thursday that it needs further advice from the committee looking into the flu vaccine before it can roll out a larger programme. The announcement follows a request from Health Secretary Andrew Lansley to look at whether the flu vaccination programme should be extended to healthy children.
Flu Vaccination Delayed For 'More Advice'
The Department of Health has said on Thursday that it needs further advice from the committee looking into the flu vaccine before it can roll out a larger programme. The announcement follows a request from Health Secretary Andrew Lansley to look at whether the flu vaccination programme should be extended to healthy children.
01 September 2015
Meningitis B Vaccinations For Newborn Babies Begins Across UK
A new programme is underway to vaccinate all newborn babies against meningitis B in the UK. It is understood the scheme, which begins today 1 September, is the first of its kind in the world. Babies will be offered the MenB vaccine with other routine vaccinations at two months, four months and 12 to 13 months of age.
Meningitis B Vaccinations For Newborn Babies Begins Across UK
A new programme is underway to vaccinate all newborn babies against meningitis B in the UK. It is understood the scheme, which begins today 1 September, is the first of its kind in the world. Babies will be offered the MenB vaccine with other routine vaccinations at two months, four months and 12 to 13 months of age.
21 March 2014
Meningitis B Jab To Be Free For Babies
The life-saving vaccine against Meningitis B disease will be made free on the NHS for babies if an agreement is reached with the manufacturers. It is a U-turn from the Government who rejected the rule last year .
Meningitis B Jab To Be Free For Babies
The life-saving vaccine against Meningitis B disease will be made free on the NHS for babies if an agreement is reached with the manufacturers. It is a U-turn from the Government who rejected the rule last year .
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Quite cloudy across all counties at first but a few late sunny spells most likely towards Down and Antrim. Clearer skes becoming more widespread later this evening and overnight. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
