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Protein responsible for development of meningitis
25 Aug 2009
A specific type of protein is responsible for the initiation of meningitis, researchers have discovered.
Scientists at the University of California, US, found that the protein, which is found on the surface of a common bacterial pathogen, allows the bacteria to leave the bloodstream and enter an individual's brain.
Senior author of the study Professor Victor Nizet explained that streptococcus pneumoniae, which is also known as pneumococcus, is accountable for approximately half of bacterial meningitis cases in humans.
"As many as 30 per cent of patients can die from this rapidly progressing infection, while half of survivors may be left with permanent neurological problems including deafness, seizures, intellectual deficits or motor disabilities," he said.
Meningitis occurs when bacteria break through the blood-brain barrier, which is made up of a single layer of microvascular endothelial cells.
Approximately one in ten people who contract meningitis will die of the disease, figures have suggested.
Click here to visit the Meningitis Quick Guide
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