Rapid Test Can Help Detect Meningitis Within An Hour

A groundbreaking test for meningitis and septicaemia, which can tell if a child has the deadly diseases within an hour, has been developed by researchers.

Rapid Meningitis Test Can Help Detect Brain Disease Within An Hour

A groundbreaking test for meningitis and septicaemia, which can tell if a child has the deadly diseases within an hour, has been developed by researchers.

The speed of the new test is vital because the first symptoms of meningitis are similar to a viral infection and therefore difficult to diagnose at an early stage.

Meningitis - Causes - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment - FAQs
Meninges are the three layers of membrane that cover the brain and infection of the cerebrospinal fluid between them causes meningitis the disease of the meninges.

However, youngsters with the bacterial infection can rapidly deteriorate and die within hours.

Researchers at Queen's University Belfast and the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust have developed the diagnostic test for meningococcal bacteria.

It detects whether a patient has meningitis, which is the inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord or septicaemia, which is the blood poisoning form of the disease.

Hib Vaccine - Types, Dosage Schedule, Contraindications and Side Effects
The Hib vaccine protects children against infections like meningitis and pneumonia that are caused by the Haemophilus influenzae type b bacterium.

The small piece of equipment resembles a portable home printer. A sample of blood or saliva produces a colour reading that determines if the patient has the condition.

"The real advantage of the new LAMP (loop mediated isothermal amplification) test is that it has the potential to be a simple bedside test that is rapid, cheap, easy to use and doesn't require laboratory trained staff," the Daily Mail quoted Professor Mike Shields, of Queen's University, as saying.

Genes Behind Meningitis Identified
An international team of scientists has identified a set of genes that could make people prone to meningitis.

The Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) has supported the research.

Source-ANI

Scientists Identify Faulty Genes That Raise Meningitis Risk
Genetic differences make some people susceptible to developing meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, and others naturally immune, a new study has revealed

Rapid Meningitis Test Can Help Detect Brain Disease Within An Hour

A groundbreaking test for meningitis and septicaemia, which can tell if a child has the deadly diseases within an hour, has been developed by researchers.