A graduate student working in one of Boston University’s (BU) labs was sickened with an infection with the bacterium, Neisseria meningitidis.
This connection was confirmed by genetic fingerprinting performed by the state laboratory. A blood sample from the student matched bacterial matter recovered from the lab.
This is not the first time BU scientists have become ill by laboratory acquired infections. In 2004, 3 scientists became infected with the agent that causes tularemia. The investigation into that case revealed sloppy lab practices and a failure to report in a timely fashion.
The latest laboratory acquired infection has occurred at a bad time for Boston University. A federal health agency is performing what is likely the final review of a expensive and controversial lab project with a high security biosafety-4 lab designed to work with very deadly agents like Ebola.
Meningococcal meningitis is caused by the bacterium, Neisseria meningitidis, which causes the most severe form of bacterial meningitis. Meningitis is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It can also be found in the bloodstream. This particular type of meningitis is very severe and can result in death if not treated promptly. Even in cases where treatment has been given, the fatality rate is around 15%.
The symptoms of bacterial meningitis are sudden, with fever, stiff neck, body aches and headaches. As the disease progresses other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, photophobia and seizures. A petechial rash seen on the trunk and lower extremities, bleeding complications, multi-organ failures and shock are usually final signs. This disease has the ability to kill within hours of getting it.
Up to 10-20% of older children and young adults carry this organism in the mouth and nose, though the carriage rate will vary with age and closeness of population. The majority of people that carry this bacterium have no clinical disease. The organism is spread person to person through respiratory secretions from the nose and mouth (coughing, sneezing and kissing). Experts are unsure why some people advance to meningitis disease while many do not.
There is a vaccine for Neisseria meningitis and vaccination for laboratory personnel may be considered. The vaccine does not protect against all strains of the organism and does not totally eliminate the risk.
The graduate student has recovered.
See more on the Neisseria meningitidis vaccine
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The Meningitis Foundation of America (MFA), a national organization, would like the public and media to know that information is available regarding the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of meningitis. MFA was founded by parents whose children were affected by meningitis. In addition to supporting vaccines and other means of preventing meningitis, the MFA provides information to educate the public and medical professionals so that the early diagnosis, treatment and, most important, prevention of meningitis, will save lives. Meningitis is a dangerous and sometimes fatal inflammation of the brain and/or spinal cord that can leave survivors with serious life-long physical problems such as deafness, brain damage and other disabilities, meningitis can sometimes result in loss of limbs. MFA would like to be considered as a news resource for the disease. For further information, visit the MFA website at www.musa.org.
MFA is proud to announce the new C.I.S.S. Container Identification
MFA is proud to announce the new C.I.S.S. Container Identification Scratch System
When we participate in sporting events or mingle at social gatherings it is possible to lose track of our water bottles and/or beverage cans, especially those served in containers that are very similar or identical to a container from which you are drinking. This carries the risk of transmitting an illness, such as meningitis or the common cold or flu. The Container Identification Scratch System, or C.I.S.S., is a fun way to make sure you always know your drink from others. Use it at sporting events or at family gatherings and reduce the waste from forgotten drinks. Simply scratch your number from the C.I.S.S. label and identify your drink. For more information please contact Bob Gold at Ciss.bob@gmail.com and www.musa.org
Thank you,
MFA
P O Box 1818
El Mirage AZ 85335
480 270 2652
www.musa.org
Join Hands against Meningitis www.comoonline.org/wmd.html
World Meningitis Day 4.24.10
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