A groundbreaking study conducted by the University of Queensland has pinpointed the strains of E. coli that are responsible for causing neonatal meningitis, with two specific types of E. coli accounting for approximately 50% of all infections. This study, which is the largest of its kind to date, analyzed the genomes of E. coli bacteria from various regions across four continents. The findings also shed light on why some infections persist even after treatment with antibiotics, suggesting that the bacteria may hide within the intestinal microbiome. This highlights the importance of closely monitoring infants who have experienced a previous infection, as they are at a heightened risk of subsequent infections.Researchers at UQ’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience have identified the main types of E. coli bacteria that cause neonatal meningitis. In addition, they have uncovered the reason behind some infections recurring even after treatment with antibiotics. Led by Professor Mark Schembri, Dr Nhu Nguyen, and Associate Professor Adam Irwin from UQ’s Centre for Clinical Research, the team found that two types of E. coli are responsible for around 50% of neonatal meningitis infections. Neonatal meningitis is a rare but life-threatening disease that occurs when a newborn baby is infected with bacteria.hembri said.
“E. coli is the most common cause of meningitis in premature babies, but identifying the specific types allows us to test for those strains and treat them effectively.”
This study was the most extensive of its kind, analyzing the genetic makeup of 58 different E. coli strains from four continents and using samples collected over a span of 46 years.
The research identified two types of the bacteria that were responsible for the majority of infections in newborns.
Associate Professor Irwin, who is also a specialist in pediatric infectious diseases at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, explained that meningitis can have a devastating impact onfamilies.
Dr. Irwin stated that parents could potentially lose their child, or the child may experience long-term complications, such as a brain injury and developmental issues.
Although antibiotics can effectively treat the infection, it is crucial to have a rapid diagnosis.
Furthermore, antibiotics may not always completely eliminate the bacteria, as some of the infants monitored showed signs of recovery before experiencing repeated invasive E. coli infections.
The researchers found that the bacteria causing subsequent infections were the same as the ones in the initial infection.Infection.
“It’s probable that bacteria are present in the gut microbiome,” stated Professor Schembri.
“This indicates the need for continued monitoring of these infants after their initial infection, as they are highly susceptible to subsequent infections.”
Professor Schembri noted that the E. coli responsible for meningitis also leads to urinary tract infections and colonizes the intestinal tract.
“There is something specific about these types of E. coli that enables them to cause both types of infections,” he explained.
“Our next objective is to investigate the bacteria’s route from the intestinal tract or rnrn
Urinary tract infections can spread into the bloodstream and eventually reach the brain, prompting the need for new preventive measures.
Professor Schembri is associated with UQ’s School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences.
Australian researchers involved in the study were Dr Brian Forde (UQ’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience), Dr Patrick Harris (UQ Centre for Clinical Research), Associate Professor Scott Beatson (School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences), Dr Sanmarie Schlebusch (UQ Centre for Clinical Research) and Dr Haakon Bergh (Pathology Queensland).
Funding for the research came from the Children’s Hospital Foundation, the National Health and MedicThe study received funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council, the Wellcome Trust, and The University of Queensland. The research paper was published in eLife.
