NOVEMBER 2005

New Home Detection Kit for Meningitis?

Scientists developing a new test to detect meningitis in just 30 minutes are hoping to develop it into a home kit for parents. The technique could save lives by dramatically reducing the time it takes to identify the deadly infection. While the results of existing tests take up to three days to come back, researchers at the University of Bath have come up with an electronic tagging system that can pinpoint the presence of dangerous bacteria in minutes.

The test works by fine-tuning the electronic tag to home-in on specific DNA. The new technology also has the advantage of being able to pick up signs of other bacterial infections, ranging from the hospital superbug MRSA to the sexually transmitted disease chlamydia.

The results have been welcomed by Meningitis Research Foundation of Ireland who said that such a test could help save lives.

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