Nottingham scientists make new discovery in meningitis bacteria

NOTTINGHAM scientists have made a new discovery which they hope can help protect babies against meningitis.

A team at Nottingham Trent University identified a previously unknown genetic characteristic of a strain of bacteria that can cause meningitis in babies.

The Cronobacter bacterium can cause severe gastroenteritis in babies and in some cases can result in meningitis.

Scientists had been unable to determine why this happens, but experts at the university say they have now found the bacteria has the ability to move from a baby's gut to the brain through blood.

The findings follow years of work for a research team at the university, using samples collected from six countries over the past 30 years.

Professor Steve Forsythe, who has led the study, said: "These findings are of international significance. By identifying the particular genetic signature of the most dangerous strain of this bacteria, we will be able to trace it back to its source and hopefully reduce or eradicate it so that babies should be less likely to develop severe meningitis and suffer brain damage as a result."

The team is now planning to develop methods to track and identify Cronobacter.

The findings are due to be published in the American scientific journal Emerging Infectious Disease.

Professor Forsythe and his colleague Susan Joseph will also present their discovery at the international American Society for Microbiology Conference, which is taking place between Saturday and Tuesday.

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