Singapore, Aug 17, 2010: Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast, Ireland, and the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Ireland, have developed a rapid diagnostic test for meningococcal bacteria that can produce results within an hour. This groundbreaking test for meningitis could help save lives.

Developed by scientists from Queen’s Centre for Infection and Immunity and the Trust, the speed of this new test is said to be a vital factor in the treatment of young children with meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, who become very ill within a short period.

Professor Mike Shields, of Queen’s University and the Belfast Trust, explained: “The first symptoms of meningococcal infections are the same as a simple viral infection, making it difficult to diagnose in the early stages. Parents often use the ‘tumbler test’ on their children’s bodies, but the non-blanching rash that is associated with a positive outcome of this test is a late sign and is not always present in children who have meningitis.

“Currently doctors will admit and treat with antibiotics, any child that they suspect of having meningococcal disease, while they await the traditional test results that take between 24 and 48 hours. With the development of a small piece of equipment, which resembles a portable home printer, a sample of blood or a secretion such as saliva, can be tested quickly by the machine. This produces a color reading that determines if the patient has meningitis or not.”

Alongside saving lives, early detection is expected to potentially improve outcomes for meningitis patients who are often left with life-altering conditions such as deafness and cerebral palsy. The machine is now being trialled in the A&E Department of the Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children in Belfast. 

According to Prof. Shields, there is no other rapid test that can confirm the diagnosis in such a short time. The current tests are said to be expensive, and take up to two days to obtain results. The new test is very different to standard culture-based detection methods that have been used up until now.

“The new test called ‘loop mediated isothermal amplification’ also utilizes a molecular method to detect genes that are common to all strains on the meningococcus. The real advantage of the new LAMP test is that it has the potential to be a simple bedside test that is rapid, cheap, easy to use and doesn’t require laboratory trained staff,” Prof. Shields said.

The medical team behind this breakthrough was recognized for its work in June of this year when they won an Elevations Diagnostics idea of the year award, organized by HSC innovators, a panel of experts from industry, healthcare and business support organizations.