Scientists at the University of Bristol are forging ahead with research that may just be the answer to a vaccine for Group B meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia.

Group B meningococcal disease causes most of the cases of meningitis and septicaemia in the UK and every year is responsible for around 100 deaths. Whilst there are vaccines which prevent some forms of meningitis and septicaemia, the blood poisoning form, no vaccine exists for Group B disease.  

Meningitis Research Foundation, the Bristol based charity fighting to prevent death and disability from meningitis and septicaemia, is funding this three-year research project costing £140,000.

Most people carry meningococcal bacteria in their nose and throat at some time in life, yet very few get meningococcal disease.  Scientists believe that the main reason most of us can carry the bacteria without getting ill is that we develop natural immunity.  The Bristol researchers have already identified that the development of immune memory cells that can respond to the bacteria may be fundamentally important. 

Dr Rob Heyderman, who is running the project, together with Dr Neil Williams, said:  “So far, the research has shown that long-term immunity to meningitis and septicaemia appears to be acquired with age.   This would explain why those who are at highest risk of contracting the diseases are the under fives and older teenagers.”

The research may also explain why Group B meningococcal vaccines tested so far do not seem to work in young children.  The research team have used human tonsil tissue in their experiments, and they believe that the surfaces of the nose and throat (mucosal surfaces) are the key to the development of natural immunity.  This research suggests that vaccinating using a nasal spray either together with or instead of an injection, would mimic the natural route of immunisation, and may be a successful way to develop an effective Group B vaccine.

Meningitis Research Foundation Chief Executive Denise Vaughan said: “We are delighted to be funding this research project which we hope may take us closer to a vaccine for Group B meningitis and septicaemia, which could save many thousands of lives.”