Simple blood test screens for susceptibilty to meningococcal

Apr 20 2008

A breakthrough in the fight against meningitis and meningococcal disease is apparently already proving to be a lifesaver.

A new blood test developed by the Royal Melbourne Hospital in Victoria can predict those people who have a genetic predisposition for the disease and is already in use.

Although meningococcal disease frequently hits the headlines because of it's rapid onset and often fatal outcome, only 1-in-100,000 are at risk of suffering from the deadly form of meningitis.

Though the test cannot be used as a diagnostic tool, and can only done four weeks after a patient has recovered from the disease, it is a lifesaver in that it will help patients and their families know if they are susceptible to strains of meningitis; they can then be given treatment to reduce that risk.

Health Minister Daniel Andrews has announced the simple blood test is available to adults at a cost of $25 per person and will provide results in around four weeks.

The test previously been only been available in Sydney and patients had to wait up to four months for results.

The breakthrough was been made possible by a $140,000 government grant for Dr Gary Unglik the consultant immunologist at Royal Melbourne Hospital to develop the test.

Dr. Unglik says the test will save lives.

Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that can cause meningitis, sepsis, pneumonia, or joint infections. Meningococcal disease can be quite severe and may result in brain damage, hearing loss, or loss of limbs. Meningococcal disease is one of the leading causes of bacterial meningitis.