Researchers at the University of Nottingham have finally discovered how the deadly meningococcal bacteria is able to break through the body’s natural defence mechanism and attack the brain. The mechanism used by these lethal germs to break through the blood brain barrier (BBB) has, until now, been unknown. This substantial discovery could lead to better treatment and vaccines for meningitis and could save the lives of hundreds of children.

The team led by Dlawer Ala’Aldeen, Professor of Clinical Microbiology and Head of the Molecular Bacteriology and Immunology Group at the Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, has been studying meningitis and its causes for over 20 years.  He said “This is a significant breakthrough which will help us design novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of bacterial meningitis. Identification of the human receptor and bacterial ligands is like identifying a mysterious key and its lock, which will open new doors and pave the way for new discoveries.”

The research was carried out in collaboration with the Department of Infectious Diseases at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.   Nottingham students also served as regular and willing volunteers in the research programme.

Professor Ala’Aldeen also stated: “The ultimate aim is to save lives by protecting the healthy and curing the sick. We are one step closer to new breakthroughs that would prevent disease or its complications. There still is a long way to go before we have the ultimate vaccine and the ultimate treatment of bacterial meningitis.”

Read the full press release on the University of Nottingham website.


Content added 17 May 2009.

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