An Alternate Antibiotic to Tackle Meningitis-Causing Bacteria

A new study suggests that boosting the abundance of one of the body's own proteins might be more effective than antibiotic treatment at fighting off a common meningitis-causing bacterium

A new study suggests that boosting the abundance of one of the body's own proteins might be more effective than antibiotic treatment at fighting off a common meningitis-causing bacterium (E. coli K1). It is published online on May 24th in the Journal of Experimental Medicine

E. coli K1 can lead to long-lasting neurological deficits and, in severe cases, death. The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains coupled with the severe side effects of antibiotic treatment highlight the urgent need for new anti-bacterial therapies.

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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.

Nemani V. Prasadarao and co-workers show that injection of a natural anti-inflammatory protein called interleukin-10 protected mice against lethal infection with E. coli K1—even the antibiotic-resistant variety—without triggering the side effects of antibiotics.

Interleukin-10 is already used to treat adults with certain autoimmune diseases. Whether it will be safe and effective in human infants infected with E. coli K1 remains to be seen.

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The Hib vaccine protects children against infections like meningitis and pneumonia that are caused by the Haemophilus influenzae type b bacterium.

Source-Eurekalert
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