What We've Achieved

Automated PCR and sequence-based typing of meningococci...

Recently the Meningitis Association of Scotland provided a generous donation to enable the SMPRL to purchase a robotic liquid-handling system and a DNA sequencer at a
total cost of £121,600.00.

Both items were purchased from MWG-Biotech, a relatively new player in the UK market, whose parent company is situated in Germany. The SMPRL required these two items so that a new DNA sequencing method could be performed. This method is known as multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). Researchers at Oxford University recently devised the MLST method for the typing of bacterial isolates based on gene sequencing. As this is sequence-based the typing results are also reproducible between laboratories.

This method is needed to better differentiate common group B and C meningocoddus types that occur in Scotland. Therefore, when more than one case of meningococcal disease occur in a defined setting, such as a school, more informed decisions can be made regarding vaccination and antibiotic prophylaxis of school pupils or university students.

The availability of the liquid handling robot and DNA sequencer at the SMPRL, will enable high-throughput sequencing and therefore typing of meningococcal isolates. At this time of the introduction of the new group C meningococcal disease is even more important. DNA sequence date will enable the SMPRL to monitor the epidemiology of meningococcal isolates in Scotland in more detail during outbreaks and for long-term surveillance

A helping hand to families

Some of the money that is raised by the Association is often used to help out familes with the difficult times that can be experienced during the recovery phase from Meningitis. Sometimes this may come in the form of helping to provide home support, adapting the home for special needs and, specifically, helping the individual in making their life a little more comfortable.

One such venture was the provision of funding to help in the adaption of a special chair for young Lewis, a Meningitis survivor, who had special requirements for such a chair. With the new 'easy' chair he now has other more comfortable options which give him an alternative option to his bed or wheelchair. Additionally, it also gives him the opportunity of joining the family in the evening if they all wish to enjoy their dinner together watching TV in the lounge.

Jennifer's story

This is Jennifer Cameron, aged 11, from Inverness, when she was flowergirl at her sister's wedding a few months ago.

When she was 4 days old and in the SCBU, Jennifer became ill with Meningitis. She was an extremely ill baby weighing under 3lbs at the time. Against all odds she survived but, as a result, she was diagnosed as having Cerebral Palsy. Although she has limited speech and physical dis­abilities and is confined to a wheelchair, being unable to stand or walk unaided, Jennifer is a happy child, bright as a button and blessed with a great sense of humour.

In due course, Jennifer was assessed in the Birmingham David Hart Clinic Genesis Orthotics and found to be suitable for a walker. With thanks to the generous financial assistance from the Meningitis Association of Scotland, Jennifer came home with her walker just a week before Christmas. For the first time ever Jennifer could stand in front of the Christmas tree and touch the decorations. It made everyone's Christmas perfect that year and the family reported that it was such an unbe­lievable experience seeing her walk in the walker for the first time, as well as, seeing the delight in Jennifer s face at being able to walk.

The picture to the right shows a big, big day for Jennifer on her birthday last year, when her sister Dianne was married. Jennifer was flowergirl that day and she was able to walk down the aisle, behind the bride, with the two bridesmaids (one being her other sister Pamela). Jennifer was brilliant that day and having her little sister walking down the aisle behind her, made Dianne's and the whole family's day very special too!