Possible vaccine for meningococcal threat

Perth researchers have begun a clinical trial of an investigational Meningococcal B vaccine against the most common form of meningococcal disease in Western Australia.

Adolescents aged between 11 and 17 years inclusive are being asked to volunteer for the research project, undertaken by the Vaccine Trials Group at the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research and Princess Margaret Hospital for Children in collaboration with the UWA School of Paediatrics and Child Health.

Study leader Dr Peter Richmond said there is no vaccine available currently to prevent the Meningococcal B strain of the bacteria that accounts for more than 90 per cent of cases in WA.

“Meningococcal B infections can cause meningitis and blood poisoning and can progress very quickly with devastating effects,” Dr Richmond said.

“This is the last major cause of meningitis for which we don’t have a vaccine and the one that most affects West Australians.”

“Meningococcal rates are higher in adolescents and very young children, so it’s very important that we ensure that this vaccine is safe and effective in children.”

This will be a comparative study of two Meningococcal B vaccines manufactured at two different sites.

The investigational meningococcal B vaccine is being studied in a number of centres, in Australia and internationally.

(Source: Telethon Institute for Child Health Research)