Antibiotic alternative for battling meningitis-causing bacteria

A study published online on May 24th in the Journal of Experimental Medicine suggests that boosting the abundance of one of the body's own proteins might be more effective than antibiotic treatment at fighting off a common meningitis-causing bacterium (E. coli K1).

E. coli K1 can lead to long-lasting neurological deficits and, in severe cases, death. The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains coupled with the severe side effects of antibiotic treatment highlight the urgent need for new anti-bacterial therapies.

Nemani V. Prasadarao and co-workers show that injection of a natural anti-inflammatory protein called interleukin-10 protected mice against lethal infection with E. coli K1—even the antibiotic-resistant variety—without triggering the side effects of antibiotics.

Interleukin-10 is already used to treat adults with certain autoimmune diseases. Whether it will be safe and effective in human infants infected with E. coli K1 remains to be seen.