British doctors find nasal drop to prevent life-threatening meningitis

LONDON (Reuters) – British researchers have tested a nasal droplet containing beneficial bacteria that can help prevent meningitis during a first experiment in the world.
According to the British Daily Mail, the treatment, developed at the National Institute for Medical Research (INR) in Southampton, contains genetically modified bacteria that help keep him in the nose and boost immunity.

The researchers hope that these modified bacteria, known as Neceria lactamica, will protect against their so-called "nematode" meningitis, the strain responsible for meningitis.
About 10% of adults carry harmful bacteria in the nose and throat without signs or symptoms, but they can invade the body and cause life-threatening diseases, including meningitis and sepsis.

Meningitis also affects people of all ages, but especially infants, young children and the elderly.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding and protecting the brain and spinal cord, caused by a bacterial or viral infection, including lupus, rashes, stiff neck, headache, fever, vomiting, drowsiness and lack of bright light.

Professor Robert Reid, director of the Biomedical Research Center in Southampton, said: "Placing the droplet in the nose of healthy adults does not harm.The bacterium has stabilized and strengthened the bloodstream. immunity, thus preventing the infection of harmful bacteria in a number of patients ".

He added: "The genetic modification of bacteria helps them to adhere more to the cells of the human body, we can do this by increasing the number of people who carry these friendly bacteria in the nose and thus avoiding the bacteria that can cause meningitis.

"It also means that we will have future treatment to fight against other diseases caused by bacteria that multiply in the nasal cavity, such as pneumonia and ear diseases," Reid said.
Meningitis is an emergency medical condition that can be life – threatening because of its proximity to the brain and spinal cord, and can lead to death within 4 hours of the onset of symptoms.