Meningococcal septicaemia and meningitis are devastating, rapid onset diseases of babies, toddlers and young adults. On the 9th of January supporters of the Meningitis Research Foundation visited the University of Leicester to hear about a project they have funded to search for new vaccine targets to prevent infections by this bacterial species.

Dr. Cas Kramer (GENIE Outreach and Public Engagement Coordinator), Valerie Smith and Dr. Chris Bayliss examining DNA extracted from plant cells.

Among the visitors was Valerie Smith from Kibworth, who uses her experience as a sufferer of meningitis to help support those who have also contracted the disease.

The leader of this project, Dr. Chris Bayliss from our Department of Genetics, outlined how two haemoglobin-binding proteins found on the bacterial surface contribute to the ability of meningococci to cause disease.

Fadil Bidmos showing a Western blot to MRF supporters and staff members.

Fadil Bidmos, the researcher employed on this project, described how antisera have been raised against these haemoglobin-binding proteins and are being investigated for an ability to kill the bacteria. Professors Wilhelm Schwaeble and Peter Andrew provided an overview of the extensive work into bacterial meningitis carried out in the University of Leicester and presented some novel work on how the complement system can be manipulated to enhance killing of meningococci.

The MRF supporters were also taken to the GENIE, the University’s Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning in Genetics, and Dr Cas Kramer showed them how to extract DNA from cells using simple household materials.

This visit was an enriching encounter for both the supporters and researchers who have combined their efforts to try and eradicate of one of the most devastating bacterial diseases.

MRF supporters and staff with researchers from the Department of Genetics and GENIE facility at the entrance to the Adrian Building.

• University Press Release