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Pin prick meningitis test could be available within 5 years
A test has been developed that could help to diagnose
bacterial infections, including meningitis in minutes. If made available through
the NHS, this test would significantly reduce the time taken to diagnose the
disease and minimise the risk of misdiagnosis.
The new test, developed by a team at Imperial College London, is a major
breakthrough in the rapid diagnosis of meningitis and sepsis in children. If
made available through the NHS, it could allow treatment to begin much earlier,
saving hundreds of lives and reducing the risk of life changing after effects.
The signs and symptoms of meningitis are notoriously difficult to diagnose, and
can be dismissed as a cold or flu. Many young children presenting the early
symptoms of the disease are initially sent home, before being rushed back to
hospital a few hours later as their condition rapidly deteriorates. Currently,
doctors grow bacteria in a sample of blood, in a process which can take up to 48
hours.
Responding to the news, Liz Brown, CEO at Meningitis Now said:- "A delay
in life saving treatment for bacterial meningitis can be a matter of life or
death. We welcome this significant progress in the development of a rapid test
for meningitis and sepsis.
We would however, continue to advise people to know the signs and symptoms of
meningitis and to seek immediate medical attention if they have any concerns."
The study led by Professor Michael Levin has shown that a bacterial infection
can be distinguished from other causes of fever, such as a viral infection,
using a pattern of genes that are switched on or off in response to an
infection.
A larger project will now begin to develop these findings into a pin prick
diagnostic test, which Professor Levin believes could be available through the
NHS within 5 years.
For support and advice on meningitis call the Meningitis Now Helpline on:- 0808 80
10 388. For more information or to donate visit the
website. |
