Genetic breakthrough in meningitis deaths

Genetic factors behind the tragic deaths of children struck down by meningitis have been identified for the first time.

Experts hope the breakthrough will boost development of vaccines that protect against the deadliest strain of meningitis bacteria.

Currently there is no vaccine for the Group B strain which each year claims thousands of live around the world.

Scientists scoured the genetic codes of more than 6,000 people for clues to why certain individuals are more vulnerable to attacks by meningococcal meningitis than others.

They found evidence that genetics plays a key role in the way the body responds to the infection.

Around 1,500 cases of bacterial meningitis are recorded in the UK each year.

Most victims are children under five and teenagers. Progress of the infection can be lightning fast, with patients becoming critically ill within hours.