Researchers awarded grant to set up new diagnostic service for encephalitis

BRC-funded researchers have been awarded a two year grant to set up a new diagnostic service for encephalitis.Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain, it is a rare condition which can be fatal. In a number of cases the causative agent is unknown because the current diagnostic test used to identify infectious causes of encephalitis is highly targeted and specific.

Research carried out by BRC-funded staff at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, has investigated RNAseq as a new technique to identify causes of encephalitis. This technique sequences all of the genetic material in a patient’s sample allowing any microorganisms to be identified. This technique has led to several unexpected causes of infection being identified.

Julianne Brown and Professor Judy Breuer have now been awarded a two year grant from GOSH Children’s Charity to translate this research technique into a fully accredited diagnostic service. This will make GOSH one of the only laboratories in the world offering this service and will allow patients to access this new diagnostic test.