Exeter Fellow discovers molecular thermometer in meningococcus bacteria

Exeter Professorial Fellow in Cellular Pathology Professor Christoph Tang has helped discover a molecular thermometer in meningococcus bacteria.

Research conducted by microbiologists Edmund Loh and Christoph Tang of the University of Oxford shows that an increase in temperature, for example during a fever, puts the bacteria in a defensive state which can be even more dangerous to the body. Their research shows that the bacteria produce proteins that protect them from attack by the immune system. The finding could explain why more cases of meningitis and sepsis are often seen after influenza outbreaks.

You can read more about Professor Tang’s research here.