Bacteria and SIDS 

Dr Caroline Blackwell of the University of Newcastle, Australia, is studying the effects of the genetic background on inflammatory responses implicated in SIDS. 

In making this rare grant to an overseas researcher, FSID recognised both the quality of the application and its importance in comparing incidences of SIDS among different ethnic groups.

According to Dr Blackwell, a medical microbiologist, the risk factors for SIDS are similar to those for serious chest and ear infections and meningitis. There are higher levels of these infections among ethnic groups in which there are also higher levels of SIDS. 

Powerful bacterial toxins have been identified in over 50% of SIDS infants from five different countries and the project will analyse these in combination with other genetic, developmental and environmental factors.  It is hoped that new approaches to the prevention of SIDS will be the result.

 

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