Meningitis UK funded study reveals genetic change in Meningitis C bacteria
The deadly bacteria which causes Meningitis C has the potential to avoid attack by a simple change in its genetic sequence, a new study1 funded by medical charity Meningitis UK has revealed.
Researchers have identified a single genetic change which means the bacteria has the capability of becoming increasingly resistant to being killed by the human immune system. It is possible that this could undermine the effectiveness of the vaccine, although there is no evidence for this so far.
The team, led by Professor Christoph Tang at the Centre for Molecular Microbiology and Infection at Imperial College London, identified three meningitis C strains which have enhanced resistance against the antibodies produced by the body after vaccination with the Meningitis C conjugate vaccine. It is possible that this could undermine the effectiveness of the vaccine, although further studies are required.
The Meningitis C vaccine has been a huge success since it was introduced into the childhood immunisation programme in 1999. Since its introduction, it is estimated that cases of Meningitis C in children have reduced by 95 per cent and that more than 500 deaths have been prevented. In April, the Department of Health revealed2 that in 2007 there were no deaths in the under 19s from Meningitis C for the first time.
There are currently no reports of Meningitis C strains emerging which are resistant to the vaccine but work is now needed to investigate the extent of the genetic change in people who have had meningococcal infection.
Meningitis UK Chief Executive Steve Dayman said: "We are extremely pleased to be funding this study and this development shows how important it is to be vigilant as bacteria can often adapt themselves when new vaccines are introduced and new strains can often emerge to fill the gap. The different types of meningitis bacteria have a remarkable capacity to respond to new environments and adapt to new pressures in order to survive.
"Meningitis can be incredibly hard to detect as many of its symptoms are often similar to more minor ailments such as the common cold or flu, plus there are occasions when people show no, or very few, symptoms. For these reasons, we believe the only way to eradicate meningitis completely is through the development of a preventative vaccine. There is still a long way to go before the disease can be eradicated completely and this latest development just shows how vital it is that research continues."
References
1 Uria MJ et al. A generic mechanism for enhanced resistance against bactericidal antibodies in Neisseria meningitides. The Journal of Experimental Medicine. 9th June 2008.
2 Department of Health. National immunisation programme continues to save lives. 21st April 2008. http://nds.coi.gov.uk/environment/fullDetail.asp?ReleaseID=365685&NewsAreaID=2&NavigatedFromDepartment=False
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