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Bacteria research offers hope for new vaccine against meningococci
February 21, 2007Each year 170,000 people around the world die of this type of meningitis, according to the World Health Organization, WHO. Bacterial meningitis, as the disease is called, can even spark epidemics: in Africa 250,000 people were affected in a matter of weeks in the late 1990s. Without treatment, mortality among those who contract the disease is 85-90 percent, with treatment some 10-15 percent. Patients also run a high risk of serious disability after recovery.
Only humans are susceptible to infection from meningococci. In its modeling system Ann-Beth Jonsson's research team therefore used mice that produce the human receptor that the bacteria bind to. Marking the bacteria to emit light, the scientists used cameras to monitor their activities in the living mice during the course of the disease.
"The bacteria are almost knocked out by the immune defense system, but then they resurge, this time with alterations in the surface protein. What's more, we discovered that the bacteria aggregate in the thyroid and can impact hormone production during the infection," says Ann-Beth Jonsson.
The study also shows that bacteria that lack a certain adhesin (the protein that the bacteria cells use to adhere to the receptors) could not attach to mucous linings.
Thanks to the new system the research team has developed, it is now possible to rapidly and effectively monitor the function of various vaccine candidates and new drugs, obviating the numerous costly and time-consuming tests that have been necessary until now. At the same time, the system provides a clear picture of the process of infection.
"With these findings as tools, we can continue to study the course of the disease and test vaccines on living organisms. Moreover we will be able to find new strategies for improving the prognoses for those who are affected by meningococcus disorders," says Ann-Beth Jonsson.
Public Library of Science
The study also shows that bacteria that lack a certain adhesin (the protein that the bacteria cells use to adhere to the receptors) could not attach to mucous linings.
Thanks to the new system the research team has developed, it is now possible to rapidly and effectively monitor the function of various vaccine candidates and new drugs, obviating the numerous costly and time-consuming tests that have been necessary until now. At the same time, the system provides a clear picture of the process of infection.
"With these findings as tools, we can continue to study the course of the disease and test vaccines on living organisms. Moreover we will be able to find new strategies for improving the prognoses for those who are affected by meningococcus disorders," says Ann-Beth Jonsson.
Public Library of Science
Meningitis Current Events and Meningitis News RSSProgress made on group B streptococcus vaccine
Scientists supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, have completed a Phase II clinical study that indicates a vaccine to prevent Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection is possible.
Scientists create NICE solution to pneumonia vaccine testing problems
Medical clinics the world over could benefit from new software* created at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), where a team of scientists has found a way to improve the efficiency of a pneumonia vaccine testing method developed at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
Review: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines effective at preventing child deaths
A study published in The Cochrane Review this month concludes that pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV), already known to prevent invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and x-ray defined pneumonia, was also effective against child deaths.
Immune cells predict outcome of West Nile virus infection
Infection with West Nile virus (WNV) causes no symptoms in most people. However, it can cause fever, meningitis, and/or encephalitis. What determines the outcome of infection with WNV in different people has not been determined.
UCF professor finds new way deadly food-borne bacteria spread
University of Central Florida Microbiology Professor Keith Ireton has uncovered a previously unknown mechanism that plays an important role in the spread of a deadly food-borne bacterium.
New WHO data underscores global threat of the world's leading child killer
New World Health Organization data to be published in this week's edition of the Lancet will shed new light on two leading causes of pneumonia, the world's leading killer of children under age 5, both globally and within specific countries.
How meningitis bacteria attack the brain
A specific protein on the surface of a common bacterial pathogen allows the bacteria to leave the bloodstream and enter the brain, initiating the deadly infection known as meningitis.
Microbes and their hosts -- exploring the complexity of symbiosis in DNA and cell biology
The unique association between microorganisms and their hosts, whether insects, plants, or mammals, provides a fascinating view into how microbial symbionts adapt to changing biological environments.
Breast cancer drug shows promise against serious infections
An FDA-approved drug used for preventing recurrence of breast cancer shows promise in fighting life-threatening fungal infections common in immune-compromised patients, such as infants born prematurely and patients with cancer.
Ben-Gurion U discovers drug can prevent epilepsy following traumatic brain injury
Dr. Alon Friedman, a neurosurgeon, professor and researcher at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, working with researchers from UC Berkeley, California have identified a TGF Beta Blocker that when given to rats prevents epilepsy after brain damage.
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Nova - Killer Disease on Campus - Meningitis [VHS] Starring: Nova |
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Meningococcal Meningitis Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad by MyHeritageWear.com The Meningococcal Meningitis Ribbon proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the Meningococcal Meningitis Ribbon than to display it on your mouse pad for everyone to see. The mouse pad measures at 9.25 x 7.75, it is machine washable, and the colors will not fade or run. Start gaining awareness today by presenting your Meningococcal Meningitis Ribbon mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your mouse rolling in style all while gaining support and awareness! |
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Strep Medicine Meningitis Siberia Tcheliouskine 1934 by old-print 2 Double Pages As Shown Taken From The ILlustration Newspaper Of 1934. A Weekly Newspaper Published In Paris. It Was Founded By Edouard Charton; The First Issue Was Published On March 4Th 1843.Size Of Each Page Is Approx 15 X 11 Inches (380X280)All Are Genuine Prints And Not Reproductions. Please Check Image Carefully For The Condition Of These Prints. |
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BD Directigen Meningitis Test Kits (30 tests per kit) by BD Biosciences For CSF, serum, blood culture and urine specimens. Test results within 15 to 20 minutes. A latex agglutination procedure for the direct qualitative detection of antigens to H. influenzae type b, S. pneumoniae, Group B Streptococcus, N. meningitidis Groups A, B, C, Y or W135 and E. coli K1 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), urine, serum or blood culture media. In addition, the kit also provides rapid confirmation and serogrouping capabilities from suspected colonies of H. influenzae type b, S. pneumoniae, Group B Streptococcus and N. meningitidis Groups A, B, C, Y or W135. | |
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Blue Cohosh - For menstrual difficulties, childbirth safely, meningitis, diabetes, and spasms, 2 oz., (Health Herb) by HerbalLoveShop Blue Cohosh is high in minerals. Combined with other herbs, it is beneficial in the treatment of bronchitis, nervous disorders, urinary tract ailments, and rheumatism. BLUE COHOSH (Caulophyllum thalictroides) Use for menstrual difficulties; regulates and promotes menstrual flow. Stimulates childbirth safely when imminent (pregnant women should not use except in the last month of pregnancy). Good for meningitis, neuralgia, diabetes, spasms, fits and epilepsy. High in potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, silicon, and phosphorus. Combined with other herbs, it is beneficial in the treatment of bronchitis, nervous disorders, urinary tract ailments and rheumatism. For menstrual difficulties; regulates and promotes menstrual flow. Stimulates childbirth safely when imminent. Good for meningitis,... |
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