Protein treatment can 'prevent and reverse' acquired brain injuryRSS Feed

Acquired brain injury caused by meningitis can be prevented by using a type of protein that occurs naturally in the body, new research has found.

A team from Childrens Hospital Los Angeles studied the effects of IL-10 of the cytokines class of proteins on mice infected with the meningitis-causing bacterium E coli K1.

These bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotic treatments, the researchers say, causing brain injury in around 30 to 40 per cent of survivors.

Treatment of the mice with IL-10 was significantly successful, with the protein killing the bacteria and even reversing the effects on the brain caused by the bacteria 48 hours after infection.

Lead author Rahul Mittal said: "Since diagnosing meningitis is difficult until bacteria reach the central nervous system, finding an agent that can clear the bacteria while also preventing or restoring the damaged brain is very exciting."

New research in Canada recently pointed towards a way of preventing acquired brain injuries from strokes by assessing patients' susceptibility to so-called silent strokes.

News from Serious Law, specialist acquired brain injury solicitors

Posted by Matthew Heap

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