Biomedical researchers find genetic link to meningitis
Monday 9th August 2010
A team of biomedical scientists have found evidence to suggest that there is a genetic link to meningitis.
The research has been published in the Nature Genetics journal this week and the lead author of the report Dr Michael Levin stated that the findings provide "the strongest evidence so far that there are genetic factors that lead to people developing meningitis".
Dr Levin, a professor at the department of paediatrics at Imperial College London, explained that while most people have carried the meningococcal bacteria during their lives, approximately one in 40,000 people develop the illness.
The biomedical researchers involved in the study hope that their discovery will aid the development of an effective vaccine for meningitis B.
Sue Davie, chief executive of the Meningitis Trust, welcomed the report and described it as "an important progression" in the fight against meningitis.
However, she stressed that everyone should "remain vigilant" to the symptoms of meningitis and meningococcal disease and act quickly if they suspect anyone has contracted the illness.
Written by Matthew Horton
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